Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest festival in Mumbai, and out of all the Pandals that are set up during the festival, Lalbaughcha Raja is the most famous one that all devotees look forward to. But this year things are going to be different as the organizers have cancelled the festivities at Lalbaugcha Raja. Keeping in mind the pandemic - which doesn't seem to end anytime soon - and given the fact that Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest crowd-puller, this is a welcomed decision.
A legacy since 1934, this would be the first time in 86 years that the tallest Ganpati idol in the city won't be installed. According to the secretary of the Lalbaug Mandal, this year it is going to be a celebration for health. Instead of devotees coming in for a glimpse of the idol. This year they are going to set up a blood donation camp. Apart from that, they are also hosting an awareness camp to promote plasma donation. The organizers have also donated Rs 25 lakh to the CM's fund to fight the pandemic.
The festival, especially the Lalbaugcha Raja, has been a crowd puller for ages. But this year we are fighting a pandemic. And hence this is an appreciated decision from the organizers. Other pandals are also expected to cancel their celebrations.
In other news, the Dahi Handi Mandal has also cancelled this year's celebration voluntarily.