By Rajveer Sekhawat 
Delhi is preparing to host one of the grandest Ganesh Mahotsav celebrations this year, as Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja makes its way to the capital. This year’s event promises to be a major attraction, drawing over 500,000 devotees during the festival, which will run from 7th to 16th September at the DDA Ground near Sanat Nirankari Samagam in Burari.
Lalbaugcha Raja Returns to Delhi
This famous Ganesha idol, which attracts millions in Mumbai each year, will once again be brought to Delhi. Having first made its way to the capital in 2015, the Lalbaugcha Raja has since become a key part of Delhi’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, during a press conference at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, shared details about this year’s event and invited residents of Delhi NCR to join in the festivities.
“People from all over the country travel to Mumbai for the darshan of Lalbaugcha Raja. Since 2015, we have also brought the idol to Delhi, making it accessible to devotees here,” Tiwari said.
Venue and Attractions for the Grand Celebration
The Ganesh Mahotsav in Delhi will take place in a massive 600,000 square-foot pandal, featuring wooden flooring and the capacity to host more than 500,000 devotees. The festival will not only include spiritual activities but also offer a range of attractions for attendees.
Special sections have been created for discourses by spiritual leaders such as Baba Bageshwar Ji and Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj. Cultural programs and musical performances will also be held in the evening, offering a mix of devotion and entertainment.
Rakesh Bindal, Chairman of the Lalbaugcha Raja Trust, announced that the pandal will feature an adventure wheel along with food stalls serving regional delicacies. The highlight of the event will be the eco-friendly Ganesha idol, a precise replica of Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja, crafted for immersion in a specially constructed pit at the event location.
Eco-Friendly Idol and Cultural Programs
One of the most significant aspects of this year’s celebration is the eco-friendly idol, which is a growing trend among devotees. The idol will be created at the same site in Mumbai and will be immersed in an eco-friendly manner, ensuring that the event stays environmentally conscious.
In addition to spiritual discourses, the festival will host a wide array of cultural programs. These will include traditional dance performances, music, and other cultural displays that showcase India’s rich heritage. Devotees will also enjoy a variety of food stalls, offering local and regional delicacies to enhance the festive experience.
Preparations Underway for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024
As the festival approaches, preparations are in full swing. Idol makers are working on eco-friendly statues of Lord Ganesha, and markets across the country are bustling with excitement. Sculptors are putting the final touches on idols, ensuring everything is ready for the grand celebration.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2024?
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. According to Drikpanchang, the tithi for Ganesh Chaturthi begins on 6th September at 3 pm. However, the main celebrations will start on 7th September, marking the beginning of this auspicious festival.
SHIVAM SHARMA