US Ambassador Sergio Gor Visits Lalbaugcha Raja On Ganesh Chaturthi, Says 'Energy Is Incredible'

Mumbai: The atmosphere of Mumbai on Ganesh Chaturthi is completely devotional. Meanwhile, on Monday, September 14, the new US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gore, reached the pandal of Lalbaghcha Raja. He had darshan of Bappa, prayed with folded hands and touched his feet and took blessings. Ganeshotsav is celebrated in the entire country including Maharashtra. Bappa is present in homes and pandals at various places. Lakhs of people are coming every day for darshan in this festival which lasts for 10 days. There have been long queues at Lalbaugcha Raja since morning.

What did the American ambassador say after the darshan?

Sergio Gore looked very happy after the darshan. He said, it is not easy to describe the energy here in words. Such a crowd, so much devotion and the echo of Ganpati Bappa Morya everywhere, is truly a different experience. I consider myself lucky that I got a chance to come here. He also told the people that if you have never visited Lalbaugcha Raja then definitely come once, the peace that you get by coming here is not found anywhere else.

#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

Why is Lalbaugcha Raja so famous?

There are many big Ganpati pandals in Mumbai, but Lalbaugcha Raja is different. Every year lakhs of people come here to pray. It is said that every wish made here is fulfilled. Therefore, it is also called Navsacha Ganapati i.e. Ganapati who fulfills the wishes. The idol here, its grandeur and decoration remains in discussion every year. The whole atmosphere in the pandal becomes devotional with the sound of drums and the chants of Bappa Morya.

When was this Mandal started?

Very few people know that Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal was started in 1934. Then some fishermen and laborers together established it in Putlabai Chawl. From that time till today, this Mandal is running continuously. The Kambli family has been doing the work of making idols here for more than 80 years. Everyone is impressed by the idol of Bappa made by their hands.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, says, "It's absolutely incredible. I'm honored to be here. It's great to be invited. I think everybody should come here and see this, because there aren't many places that are this vibrant. The energy is… https://t.co/tvNSoiS8e3 pic.twitter.com/cHDh3j52KM

— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2026

When will the immersion take place?

This year Ganesh Chaturthi has started from 14th September. Bappa will sit in every house for 10 days. After this, Bappa will be immersed with great pomp on Anant Chaturdashi i.e. 25th September. Ganesh Chaturthi is also called Vinayak Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha is considered the god of wisdom, knowledge and new beginnings. It is believed that he removes all obstacles, hence he is worshiped before every auspicious work.