The iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai’s most popular “sarvajanik” or public Ganesha idol, is drawing attention not only for its grandeur during the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival but also for the growing concerns about VIP culture. Though the idol is meant to be accessible to all, recent videos have sparked controversy, showing unequal treatment between ordinary devotees and VIP visitors.
VIPs Enjoy Special Privileges While Devotees Are Pushed and Shoved
A viral video circulating online has captured the disparity in treatment at the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal. In the video, common devotees, who sometimes wait for up to 12 hours in long queues, were seen being shoved and manhandled by security staff as they tried to catch a brief glimpse of the Ganpati idol. In stark contrast, a VIP family leisurely stood in front of the idol, posing for pictures without being rushed or disturbed.
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The situation has ignited frustration among regular devotees, who face chaotic conditions and can only manage a fleeting moment in front of the deity. Another video showed a rush of people flooding into the pandal as the gates were briefly opened, further highlighting the challenges faced by the general public.
Business Tycoon Harsh Goenka Criticizes Unequal Treatment
Billionaire Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Group, voiced his concerns about the situation by sharing one of the viral videos on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Goenka called attention to the stark difference in treatment between VIPs and ordinary devotees, questioning the fairness of the system. “Ever wondered why people opt for VIP darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja? It’s because the common devotee often faces long waits and crowds, highlighting the unequal treatment. Isn’t faith supposed to be equal for all?” Goenka posted.
Many users on X echoed his sentiments, expressing their disappointment with the VIP favoritism.
Public Reaction: Disappointment and Calls for Change
Goenka’s post resonated with many online users, some of whom shared their own frustrations with the VIP culture at the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal. One user, Dinesh Joshi, commented, “I feel sorry for those devotees being pushed who stand in the queue for hours and get a glimpse for a second, whereas VIPs who break the queue get to stand there and take a selfie.”
Another user suggested the pandal be declared “VIP Only,” citing the unfair treatment faced by common devotees who travel long distances and stand in line for hours, only to receive a rushed and unsatisfactory darshan.
A Call for Equality in Worship
The controversy surrounding the VIP culture at Lalbaugcha Raja has sparked a broader conversation about equality in places of worship. For a mandal that is meant to be sarvajanik—open to all—the distinction between VIPs and common devotees highlights the need for greater fairness and accessibility.
As Ganesh Chaturthi continues to draw massive crowds, the organizers may face increasing pressure to address these concerns and ensure that every devotee, regardless of status, has an equal opportunity to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lalbaugcha Raja.