Mumbaicha Raja 2025: First Look at Ganesh Galli’s Iconic Idol

Mumbaicha Raja 2025: First Look at Ganesh Galli’s Iconic Idol (image: raja_mumbaicha/Instagram)

Mumbai is gearing up for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, and one of the city’s most famous pandals, Mumbaicha Raja at Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug, has unveiled its first look. The grand reveal took place on Monday, just days before the festival officially begins on August 27, 2025.

Standing Tall with Grace

Unlike the popular Lalbaugcha Raja, who is always seen seated on his throne, this year’s Mumbaicha Raja idol stands tall, radiating both grace and divinity. The 22-foot idol continues the tradition of being handcrafted without the use of moulds, a practice followed for over 45 years.

Rameshwaram Mandir Theme for 2025

Every year, Ganesh Galli Mandal recreates a new cultural or spiritual theme. In 2025, the decoration is inspired by the iconic Rameshwaram Mandir in Tamil Nadu, offering devotees a divine South Indian temple experience. Last year, the theme was based on Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple.

One of Mumbai’s Oldest Ganesh Mandals

The Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, popularly called Mumbaicha Raja, was established in 1928, making it one of the oldest Ganesh mandals in Mumbai. Interestingly, it is even older than the famed Lalbaugcha Raja, which began in 1934. Over the decades, the mandal has become a symbol of devotion, tradition, and community spirit.

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated from August 27 to September 2, 2025. The 10-day festival, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, brings lakhs of devotees to pandals across Maharashtra.

Security and State Festival Status

To ensure smooth celebrations, Mumbai Police has announced the deployment of 15,000 police constables, 2,600 inspectors and sub-inspectors, 51 assistant commissioners, and 36 deputy commissioners across the city during the Ganesh Utsav. Adding to the festive spirit, the Maharashtra government has officially declared Ganeshotsav as a state festival. The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Samanvay Samiti, which coordinates the event with civic and police authorities, has 12,000 public mandals registered across the city.

With its rich history, magnificent idol, and breathtaking decorations, Mumbaicha Raja in Ganesh Galli continues to capture the devotion of millions. As Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 approaches, the first look of the idol has already created excitement among devotees eager to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha.