Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh idol faced an unprecedented delay during its 2025 visarjan at Girgaon Chowpatty, with immersion completed late Sunday night, September 7, after a 35-hour ordeal.

The grand procession, a highlight of Ganeshotsav, began Saturday afternoon from Lalbaug, drawing lakhs of devotees chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya” amidst vibrant dhols.

The 18-foot idol reached Chowpatty between 5 and 7 am Sunday, but rough seas and a high tide of 4.42 meters at 11:40 am stalled the immersion, marking a rare disruption in the ritual typically completed by 9 am. For over six hours, volunteers, civic officials, and local Koli fishermen battled strong currents that destabilized the idol’s platform, leaving it partially submerged in shallow waters.

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Despite tireless efforts, including multiple failed attempts to align the idol with a specially designed motorized raft, the rising tide posed safety risks, prompting organizers to wait for calmer conditions. The atmosphere remained charged with devotion, with thousands of devotees, including Reliance Industries’ Anant Ambani, joining the emotional farewell. By 4:45 pm, after hours of coordination, the idol was successfully transferred to the raft, greeted by cheers of “Lalbaugcha Rajacha Vijay Aso.”

The immersion was completed around 11 pm, aided by a favorable tide, concluding a 35-hour journey—one of the longest delays in recent history. The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal expressed regret for the delay, citing technical issues with the new raft and unpredictable sea conditions.

Despite challenges, Mumbai’s spirit of unity shone through, with devotees patiently awaiting their beloved Bappa’s farewell, reaffirming the city’s deep-rooted cultural and spiritual bond with Ganeshotsav.

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