Every year, Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai’s most famous Ganesh idol, is taken for Visarjan (immersion in the sea). Thousands of publics wait all night just to see their beloved Ganpati Bappa one last time before he returns next year. But this year, something very unusual occurred.
A 30-Hour Delay!
Normally, the 18-foot-tall idol is taken for immersion on the day of Anant Chaturdashi and is usually completed by next morning 9 am.
But this year, there was a big delay of nearly 13 hours. The main reasons were:
- High Tide – The sea waves were too strong in the sunrise.
- Technical Problems – The special platform used to immerse the idol stopped working.
Because of this, the immersion could only happen at 10:30 pm at Girgaon Chowpatty.
Sutak Period (Inauspicious Time)
There was also a lunar eclipse happening. In Hindu tradition, this time is called Sutak, and it is considered inauspicious for important rituals. Many devotees were unhappy because the immersion was done during this period.
Fishermen’s Old Tradition Broken
Earlier, the Koli (fishermen) community used to take part in the immersion. They made a floating platform from their boats for Lalbaugcha Raja every year.
But this year, the organisers decided to use a modern automated platform instead of the fishermen’s boats. Sadly, the new method failed, causing even more delay.
The fishermen were upset and said:
- “Lalbaugcha Raja belongs to everyone.”
- “Our ancestors started this tradition in 1934.”
- “We should also have the right to take part in the visarjan.”
They felt ignored and demanded that their representatives should be included in the festival management.
VIP Culture Argument
Every year, big crowds gather at Lalbaugcha Raja. Along with devotees, many politicians, celebrities, and VIPs also visit with heavy security.
This year again, common people protested that VIPs got more access, while ordinary devotees had to wait in long queues.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut even said:
- “I don’t visit Lalbaugcha Raja because I don’t want to add one more individual to the crowd.”
Theft During Visarjan
With such huge crowds, some unpleasant incidents also happened.
- 50 mobile phones were stolen.
- 7 gold chains were snatched.
The police caught 15 people and recovered some stolen things.
Point of view
The Lalbaugcha Raja visarjan of 2025 was full of challenges—delays, broken traditions, unhappy devotees, and thefts.
But at the heart of it all, people’s love for Ganpati Bappa remains the same. Every year, no matter what happens, lakhs of devotees will continue to come, sing “Ganpati Bappa Morya!”, and wait for their beloved Ganesh to return again next time.
Moral of the Story: Traditions are important, but so are the feelings of people. Festivals are about unity, not just knowledge or VIPs.
