Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most significant festivals in Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai. Among the many celebrations that take place, Lalbaugcha Raja holds a special place in the hearts of thousands of devotees. Known for its grandeur and deep religious significance, the public Ganesh idol at Lalbaug draws massive crowds every year. If you are planning to visit in 2024, here’s everything you need to know about Lalbaugcha Raja Darshan Timing 2024, including the schedule for darshan, pooja, and Aarti.
The Beginning of Lalbaugcha Raja Darshan 2024
Lalbaugcha Raja’s darshan is one of the most awaited events during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. In 2024, the darshan will begin on September 7, 2024, early in the morning between 4 AM and 6 AM. Last year, the “Charan Sparsha” and “Mukh Darshan” commenced at 6:00 AM, and the schedule is expected to remain similar this year as well.
The darshan remains open 24 hours a day for eleven consecutive days, allowing devotees to visit at any time until the final day of Visarjan, which will be on September 16, 2024.
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Lalbaugcha Raja Aarti and Pooja Timings
One of the key highlights of the visit to Lalbaugcha Raja is witnessing the Aarti. The Aarti ceremony takes place twice daily:
- Afternoon Aarti: 12:30 PM
- Evening Aarti: 8:00 PM
Devotees can also take part in the regular poojas and rituals, which are held throughout the day. Here is a detailed overview of the timings.:
| Activity | Timings |
|---|---|
| Charan Sparsha and Mukh Darshan | 6:00 AM |
| Morning Pooja | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM |
| Afternoon Pooja | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
| Evening Pooja | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Morning Aarti | 7:00 AM – 7:15 AM |
| Afternoon Aarti | 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM |
These rituals are a core part of the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, and visitors often schedule their visit around these Aarti timings to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
Important Dates for Lalbaugcha Raja 2024
Here are the key dates to keep in mind for Lalbaugcha Raja Darshan Timing 2024:
- Darshan Start Date: September 7, 2024
- Darshan End Date: September 16, 2024 (Anant Chaturdashi)
- Visarjan (Immersion): September 16-17, 2024
- Darshan Duration: 24 hours
On Anant Chaturdashi, the Ganesh idol is immersed in the Arabian Sea at Girgaon Chowpatty. This grand procession is one of the most awaited events, and it draws huge crowds. Many devotees plan their visit to coincide with the immersion day.
Lalbaugcha Raja VIP Darshan Pass 2024
For those who want to avoid the long queues, there is an option to purchase a VIP Darshan Pass. While the exact price for the 2024 pass has not been disclosed yet, devotees can keep an eye on the official Lalbaugcha Raja website for updates.
How to Get a VIP Darshan Pass
There are two ways to get a VIP Darshan Pass for Lalbaugcha Raja:
- Online Booking:
- Visit the official Lalbaugcha Raja website or other trusted portals.
- Complete the registration and payment process.
- Keep an eye out for a confirmation message or email containing your booking details.
- In-Person Purchase:
- VIP passes are often sold near the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal.
- Details about the locations and availability of these passes will be announced closer to the event.
- Due to high demand, it is advisable to arrive early if you plan to purchase in person.
Even with the VIP pass, it’s important to follow the guidelines and maintain decorum to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Live Darshan for Remote Devotees
For devotees unable to visit physically or looking to avoid the heavy crowd, live darshan is available. The Lalbaugcha Raja committee broadcasts the ceremonies and live feeds of the idol on their official social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. This is a great option for those who cannot make the trip but still want to participate in the festivities from afar.
How to Reach Lalbaugcha Raja
Mumbai’s public transport system plays a crucial role during Ganesh Chaturthi, as thousands of devotees flock to Lalbaugcha Raja daily. Here are some of the best ways to reach the location:
1. By Local Train
Mumbai’s local trains are the fastest and most efficient way to reach Lalbaug. The nearest stations are:
- Chinchpokli Station (Central Line): Just a 10-minute walk from Lalbaug.
- Lower Parel Station (Western Line): A 20-25 minute walk or a short taxi ride.
- Currey Road Station (Central Line): Approximately 15 minutes on foot.
2. By Bus
Several BEST buses connect different parts of Mumbai to Lalbaugcha Raja. Some key routes include:
- Bus No. 124: From Dadar TT.
- Bus No. 132: From CST.
- Bus No. 172: From Bandra Station (East).
While buses may face delays due to traffic during the festival, they can get you closer to the pandal.
3. By Taxi or Auto-Rickshaw
Taxis and autos are convenient but may get stuck in traffic. It’s a good idea to get dropp off as close as possible and walk the remaining distance.
4. By Metro
For those traveling from the suburbs, the nearest metro station is Lower Parel. From there, it’s a short walk or taxi ride to Lalbaugcha Raja.
Tips for Visiting Lalbaugcha Raja
Visiting Lalbaugcha Raja can be a spiritual and memorable experience, but it requires some planning due to the large crowds. Here are a few tips to help make your visit go more smoothly:
- Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning (6 AM – 9 AM) or late at night to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Long Wait Times: Be prepared for long queues—up to 7 hours for Mukh Darshan and over 15 hours for Charan-Sparsh Darshan.
- Carry Essentials: Bring a water bottle, snacks, and a small mat to sit on if needed.
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you might have to wait for long periods.
- Secure Your Belongings: Crowds can get overwhelming, so keep your belongings safe. Be cautious with your phone and avoid carrying too many valuables.
- Flowers for Offering: Devotees can purchase flowers, especially durva (scotch grass), from the stalls around the pandal to offer to Lord Ganesha.
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Conclusion
Visiting Lalbaugcha Raja during Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 will be a remarkable spiritual experience. With darshan timings running 24 hours a day from September 7 to September 16, 2024, and the option to attend poojas and Aartis throughout the day, devotees have ample opportunity to seek blessings. Whether you are attending in person or watching via live darshan, this year’s celebration promises to be as grand as ever. Plan your visit in advance, and be sure to check the official website for the latest updates on timings, VIP passes, and more.