The excitement for Ganesh Chaturthi is growing as the 10-day festival kicked off on Saturday (Sept 7). While the devotion of devotees to their beloved Ganpati Bappa is immeasurable, the substantial donations to Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja reflect their deep reverence for Lord Ganesha. On the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi Festival 2024, Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal reported donations totaling ₹48,30,000, according to Mangesh Dattaram Dalvi, Treasurer of the Mandal.
News agency ANI shared visuals of the committee members counting various currency notes and coins. The festival showcases eco-friendly Ganeshas, a replica of Ayodhya Ram Lalla, and other idols draped in black to symbolize the fight against violence against women.
#WATCH | Mumbai: The donations received on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi Festival 2024 were counted at Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
The donation amounted to Rs. 48 lakh 30 thousand: Mangesh Dattaram Dalvi, Treasurer, Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav… pic.twitter.com/dtI6GWtIyt
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2024
On the second day, devotees gathered at Lalbaugcha Raja early to join the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. The iconic Ganesh idol remains a central attraction as thousands seek blessings from the deity. The first look of Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on the evening of September 5, with the festival running until September 17. ANI noted that Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati has symbolized faith and devotion since its inception in 1934.
In Chennai, BJP members revealed a grand replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir for the festival, closely resembling Ram Lalla, whose ‘Pran Pratishta’ occurred in Ayodhya on January 22. Additionally, a Ganesh idol depicting Ganpati on a replica of the LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet was unveiled at a Mumbai residence. The designer stated that each year’s idol reflects recent developments in India.
