Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja stops at this mosque every year during Anant Chaturdashi procession, here’s why

Lalbaugcha Raja

Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja, one of the city’s most iconic Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, is more than just a display of devotion—it is a symbol of communal harmony. Every year, as the crowd chants “Ganpati Bappa Morya” during the Anant Chaturdashi procession, the massive Ganesh idol makes a special pause at the Hindustani Masjid in Byculla, drawing the attention and participation of both Hindu and Muslim communities.

At the mosque, Muslim residents offer flowers and garlands to the Ganesh idol, while sweets and greetings are exchanged between the two communities. What began decades ago as a spontaneous gesture of goodwill has now become a cherished annual tradition, reflecting Mumbai’s spirit of unity in diversity.

This pause is not a one-off event. The Lalbaugcha Raja procession stops at the Hindustani Masjid every year, creating a shared moment of celebration and respect. Over time, this practice has become a highlight for both locals and tourists, adding a special dimension to the city’s Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.

After the mosque stop, the Lalbaugcha Raja procession continues its journey toward the immersion point, drawing thousands of devotees along the route. The sight of the enormous idol, accompanied by music, chants, and the city’s bustling energy, is a spectacle that captures the heart of Mumbai’s cultural identity.

This year, Anant Chaturdashi, marking the conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi, will fall on September 6, 2025. On this day, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha, performing the visarjan (immersion) of idols in rivers, lakes, or the sea—a ritual symbolizing the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution.

The Lalbaugcha Raja itself was established in 1934 by the Koli fishermen and traders of Lalbaug. Revered as the “Wish-Fulfilling Ganpati,” it draws over 1.5 million devotees daily during the festival, making it not just a religious icon but also a cornerstone of Mumbai’s cultural and social landscape.