Mumbai
On Sunday evening, the immersion of the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh idol finally took place at Girgaon Chowpatty — but with a delay exceeding 12 hours. Traditionally immersed before 9 a.m., this year the idol was submerged only around 9 p.m., turning what is usually a punctual ritual into a day-long spectacle.
What Caused the Delay
The delay was triggered by two key issues: an unexpectedly early high tide and a technical malfunction of a newly introduced electrically operated raft, replacing the customary wooden one. The procession reached the shoreline by 8 a.m., only to find waves too strong and waters too deep for safe submersion. Volunteers struggled to load the 18-foot-tall idol onto the unstable raft, finally managing it around 4:45 p.m. Even then, navigating the rough sea took hours before immersion could proceed.
The Crowd’s Emotional Response
The prolonged wait seemed to create a powerful spiritual experience. Devotees interpreted the delay symbolically — believing that “Bappa stayed to give darshan” equally to all. One supporter criticized VIP favoritism, claiming, “VIPs got the red-carpet, commoners got rope-burns. Bappa held off immersion till the scales were balanced.”
Broader Context and Significance
Lalbaugcha Raja, one of Mumbai’s oldest and most revered public Ganesha idols, draws over 1.5 million pilgrims daily during the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival. Its immersion marks a deeply significant ritual for devotees and pilgrims alike.
Delaying the immersion for the first time in memory broke the tradition and highlighted the delicate balance between logistics, rituals, and faith in modern celebrations.