International
oi-Swastika Sruti
Sergio Gor, the United States ambassador to India, went to the famous Lalbaugcha Raja pandal of Mumbai on September 14, which is currently celebrating the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
On September 14, US Ambassador Sergio Gor visited Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja pandal during Ganesh Chaturthi, praised the incredible energy, and paid respects at the prominent site managed by the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
During his visit, Ambassador Gor paid his respects to Lord Ganesha and sought his blessings in one of the popular sites for Ganeshotsav in the city. In the process of seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings, the American ambassador also touched the feet of the Ganpati idol.
Sergio Gor Praises the Energy at Lalbaugcha Raja
Speaking about his experience, Gor said that he felt privileged to visit the legendary pandal and appreciated the atmosphere created during the festival.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, says, “Its absolutely incredible. Im honored to be here. Its great to be invited. I think everybody should come here and see this, because there arent many places that are this vibrant. The energy is… https://t.co/tvNSoiS8e3 pic.twitter.com/cHDh3j52KM
— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2026
Describing the atmosphere as highly energetic, US Ambassador said that it is difficult for one to describe Lalbaugcha Raja if he/she has not experienced it before.
“I feel privileged to be here. I really enjoyed being invited here,” Gor said. He advised those people who have not been at the pandal before to visit and celebrate the festival.
There are hardly any places where such high energy and vibrancy can be found, said Gor. He called the atmosphere there “absolutely incredible.”
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, visits Lalbaugcha Raja on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and offers prayers. pic.twitter.com/zEIriCNSNy
— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2026
Lalbaugcha Raja Draws Thousands of Devotees
Lalbaugcha Raja is one of the most prominent Ganesh statues in Mumbai and draws crowds of believers each year during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. People visit the pandal to pay their homage and seek blessings with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” filling the place.
The installation of the statue is done by the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal at Putlabai Chawl. The mandal was founded in 1934 and now plays an important role in celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai.
In addition to its religious significance, Lalbaugcha Raja is popular for the intricate carving of its idol as well as grand celebrations around it.
The first look of Mumbais iconic Lalbaugcha Raja has been unveiled ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. Swipe to seek the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha and witness the magnificent avatar.#Lalbagkeraja #ganeshchaturthi #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/X2Zmj9WQTl
— Ravinder Singh (@ravindraJourno) September 11, 2026
Kambli Family’s Long-Standing Tradition
The creation and maintenance of the Lalbaugcha Raja idol has been closely associated with the Kambli family for more than eight decades. The family has continued the artistic tradition behind the famous idol across generations.
Over the years, Lalbaugcha Raja has become more than a religious symbol for devotees. It has also come to represent Mumbai’s cultural identity and the city’s strong connection with Ganeshotsav.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations Across Maharashtra
Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated across Maharashtra and in several other parts of India. The 10-day festival begins with the installation of Lord Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals.
The festival is observed on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Bhadrapada. It concludes with Anant Chaturdashi, when devotees traditionally take part in Ganpati visarjan, or the immersion of the idols.
In 2026, Ganpati visarjan will be observed on Friday, September 25.
