Lalbaugcha Raja gets more regal: Iconic Ganpati idol to be housed in ‘sheesh mahal’ by Nitin Desai

Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai’s favorite festival, is a week away and preparations to welcome ‘Mumbaicha Raja’ are on full swing all over the city. From thematic pandals to massive idols, from the artisans to the administration, everyone is gearing up to make the 10-day celebration memorable. One of the most popular Ganpati pandals in the city, without a doubt, would be the Lalbaugcha Raja in Parel. The iconic pandal, which is over 80 years old, is known for attracting massive crowds who wait for hours and sometimes days in queues to get a glimpse of the ‘Raja’. [caption id=“attachment_2430004” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File photo of Lalbaugcha Raja. PTI[/caption] This year, the Lalbaugcha Raja will be even more regal as the Ganpati idol will be housed in a giant ‘sheesh mahal’ (crystal palace) designed by renowned Bollywood art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, according to a report by The Times of India.  Desai had designed the palace for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, the Rajshri production starring Salman Khan and will be sent to the set for shoot after Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the festival, continues the report.   The organisers of the Lalbaugcha Raja are happy with this year’s design according to mandal president Ashok Pawar, who was quoted by the report saying that Desai has been associated with them for a few years now. Set in a narrow lane in Lalbaug, Parel, this Ganpati pandal is said to gave over a million visitors every year including several celebrities and other prominent personalities.