Lakhs queue up for Lalbaugcha Raja darshan, Uddhav-Aaditya Thackeray, Vidyut Jammwal get easy VVIP access

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 is here, and many celebrities, politicians and lakhs of devotees have gathered to seek blessings at the famous Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai.

However, while celebrities and politicians are getting VVIP entry and fast-track Charan Sparsh of Lalbaugcha Raja, lakhs of devotees continue to wait in long queues to seek Bappa's blessings.

Bollywood actor and martial artist Vidyut Jammwal welcomed Bappa with a soulful performance featuring the shankh and damru. He visited the famous Lalbaugcha Raja pandal, and videos of his visit have gone viral on social media.

A clip of Vidyut Jammwal's performance has surfaced on social media, capturing him immersed in devotion as he played the traditional damru and blew the conch shell in front of the Ganesh idol.

The damru holds a significant place in Hindu traditions and is associated with Lord Shiva, while blowing a conch shell is considered auspicious and is commonly performed during religious ceremonies.

Apart from celebrities, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, along with his son Aaditya Thackeray and wife Rashmi Thackeray, visited his cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's residence, 'Shivtirth', in Dadar, on Monday to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha as part of the Ganeshotsav celebrations.

Visuals shared on X showed the Thackerays offering prayers and seeking Bappa's blessings on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The visuals also showed members of both Thackeray families coming together for a family photograph.

The visuals further showed that the Ganpati Bappa idol installed at Raj Thackeray's residence was reportedly made of silver, while the eco-friendly decorations were adorned with flowers.

Meanwhile, the Thackeray family also visited several prominent Ganpati pandals across Mumbai on Ganesh Chaturthi. Uddhav Thackeray, along with Aaditya and Rashmi Thackeray, visited Lalbaugcha Raja to offer prayers at one of Mumbai's most prominent Ganpati pandals.

Aaditya Thackeray, taking to X, wrote, "I took darshan with immense devotion of the faction leader Hon. Shri. Uddhavsaheb Thackeray, along with mother Smt. Rashmi Thackeray, at the Lalbaugcha Raja, the revered abode of faith for millions of devotees. May the benevolent shade of grace from the obstacle-remover Lalbaugcha Raja ever remain upon us all!"

According to reports, the family also visited Ganesh Gully on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi to offer prayers and seek blessings. The family is also expected to visit the historic 'Mumbai Cha Raja' in Parel, which is celebrating its 99th year.

Lalbaugcha Raja, one of Mumbai's most prominent Ganesh idols, witnesses a massive turnout every year during the 10-day Ganeshotsav. Devotees from across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra visit the pandal to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Ganesha.

This year, the revered Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal is celebrating its 93rd year, with the grand festivities beginning on September 14. This time, Bappa's court has been decorated with a Mahadev-themed temple design inspired by the Mahakaleshwar Temple. A huge trident has also been installed as part of the decorations.