Anant Ambani, son of business magnate Mukesh Ambani, joined the grand procession of the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, adding to the splendor of the occasion. Mumbai, in a deeply emotional and festive atmosphere, bid farewell to its most prestigious Ganesh idol as thousands of devotees chanted “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Yaa” (Come back early next year!). The immersion ceremony, marked by traditional celebrations, heavy rains, and massive crowds, showcased the city’s enduring bond with its beloved Lalbaugcha Raja.
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A Grand Procession Despite the Rain
The procession of the revered ‘King of Lalbaug’ began around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with large crowds gathered at Girgaon Chowpatty, eagerly awaiting the immersion. Despite heavy downpours at around 5 a.m., the devotees’ enthusiasm remained unshaken. The Lalbaugcha Raja idol reached Girgaon Chowpatty around 6 a.m., accompanied by other significant idols, including Chintamani of Chinchpokli and the Raja of Mazgaon, all braving the rain alongside their loyal followers.
Devotees had been gathering at the immersion site since the previous night, eager to witness the final moments of the procession. The festivities officially started on Tuesday morning in Lalbaug with a grand Aarti (prayer) for Lalbaugcha Raja. Devotees in traditional attire filled the streets, dancing to the sound of drums, setting off firecrackers, and throwing bursts of color as the procession continued for a remarkable 23 hours. Throughout, the chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” echoed through the streets.
Royal Immersion of Lalbaugcha Raja
The immersion of the Lalbaugcha Raja was nothing short of regal. The idol was guided into the sea using a mechanical raft powered by hydraulics, adding a modern touch to the otherwise traditional ceremony. Even after 22 hours of non-stop procession, the energy of the devotees never wavered. The streets remained packed with people bidding farewell to their beloved Ganpati.
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The procession finally concluded with the idol being immersed in the Girgaon Sea after a 23-hour-long celebration. The immersion marked the end of a fervent and joyful journey, bringing the grand festival to a close.
Tight Security Ensures a Smooth Immersion
The immersion process was carried out under strict police and administrative supervision to ensure the safety of the large crowds gathered across Mumbai. Extra security measures were in place along the coastline to prevent any untoward incidents. Both the police and administrative agencies worked diligently to ensure the festival proceeded without any issues, allowing the immersion ceremonies to be conducted in a safe and orderly manner.
While the farewell was emotional, it was filled with joy and hope, as devotees look forward to the return of Ganpati Bappa next year. The immersion of Lalbaugcha Raja once again demonstrated the strong cultural and spiritual connection between Mumbai and its beloved festival.