Ganeshotsav 2020: Mumbai’s Iconic Lalbaugcha Raja Won’t Be Installed This Year

For the first time in many years, Mumbai’s iconic and famed Lalbaugcha Raja will not be installed during the upcoming 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav. Yes, Mumbai’s Lalbaughcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal has decided not to hold Ganeshotsav this time in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, they will set up a blood & plasma donation camp for the 11-day long festivity.

ANI tweeted that the imposing 15-feet plus tall statue of Lalbaugcha Raja will not be installed this year.

Mumbai’s Lalbaughcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal has decided not to hold Ganeshotsav this time in wake of #COVID19 pandemic. A blood & plasma donation camp will be set up in its place: Lalbaughcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal (in the picture – last year’s Ganpati idol at Lalbaughcha Raja) pic.twitter.com/1FiHg68QAX

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2020

Sudhir Salvi, Secretary of Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal.said that instead of celebrating Ganeshotsav in a grand way, Labaughcha Raja Mandal will donate the amount to CM’s Relief Fund. They will also felicitate families of martyrs who have lost their lives at LOC & LAC:

Instead of celebrating Ganeshotsav in a grand way, Labaughcha Raja Mandal will donate the amount to CM’s Relief Fund. We will also felicitate families of martyrs who have lost their lives at LOC & LAC: Sudhir Salvi, Secretary of Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal https://t.co/BT5uTkfFC4 pic.twitter.com/unI3cbkGmR

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2020

This is the first time in 85 years that the famous Sarvajanik Ganpati idol won’t be installed. It’s estimated that over two million people visit this particular Ganesh Pandal daily.

As per a report by IANS, it will be replaced by a small idol of around 3-4 feet will be set up for traditional puja and other ceremonies. The traditional puja will also not be opened for the public.

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