The iconic idol of Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai’s famous Lord Ganesh, was immersed in the Arabian Sea at Girgaon beach on Wednesday morning, marking the end of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the final moments of the festival, hoping to catch a last glimpse of the beloved deity. Among those present for the immersion was Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
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Lalbaugcha Raja’s Procession Draws Thousands
The procession for Lalbaugcha Raja began on Tuesday night and attracted lakhs of devotees over the course of the 11-day festival. The idol made its way to Girgaon Chowpatty, a popular immersion site in south Mumbai. Anant Ambani, who had visited the idol earlier in the evening, returned to be part of the immersion ceremony.
Ambani Family’s Connection to Lalbaugcha Raja
The Ambani family, known for their grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, have been frequent visitors to the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal over the years. On Saturday night, Mukesh Ambani, Anant Ambani, his wife Radhika Merchant, and Shloka Mehta visited the pandal to offer prayers. As part of the preparations for the idol’s immersion, the massive gold crown, donated by Anant Ambani, was removed from the idol.
Anant Ambani’s Generous Offering
According to Lokmat Times, the gold crown donated by Anant Ambani and the Reliance Foundation is valued at ₹15 crore. This generous offering highlighted the Ambani family’s devotion to Lord Ganesh and their continued support for the Lalbaugcha Raja festival.
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Ambanis’ Grand Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration at Antilia
The Ambanis hosted an elaborate Ganesh Chaturthi celebration at their residence, Antilia, where their Ganesh idol, lovingly called “Antilia cha Raja” by devotees, was the center of attention. The extended Ambani family, including Anil and Tina Ambani, along with several Bollywood stars, attended the celebration. The Ambanis performed the immersion rituals for their idol over two days.
Visarjan from Antilia to Chowpatty Beach
Nita Ambani, chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, along with Anant Ambani and his wife Radhika Merchant, led the procession from their residence to Chowpatty Beach for the immersion. The family was seen on a truck beautifully decorated with flowers as they made their way to the immersion site, completing the festivities in a grand and traditional manner.