Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Mumbai Cha Raja Showcases Maharashtra’s Saint Tradition Ahead Of 99th Festival
A famous Ganesh festival in Mumbai is preparing for its 99th celebration.
Its organizers chose a theme called ‘Vaishnavanchi Wari.’
The theme celebrates Maharashtra’s respected saints and their teachings.
It especially focuses on Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram and Eknath.
Their Warkari tradition teaches people to live simply, help others and show devotion to Lord Vitthal.
The festival began in 1928 among textile mill workers.
It moved to Ganesh Gully in 1938.
Over the years, the celebration has also included plays, music, lectures and folk arts.
The new tableau was shown to the public on Friday.
Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal will present the ‘Vaishnavanchi Wari’ theme at this year’s Ganesh festival.
The theme highlights Maharashtra’s saint tradition and the teachings of Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram and Eknath.
The Warkari tradition emphasizes moral living, public service and devotion to Lord Vitthal.
The Mandal was founded in 1928 by mill workers at Peru Chawl and moved to Ganesh Gully in 1938.
The 99th festival tableau was unveiled on Friday at the popular Ganesh Gully pandal in Parel.
- Who
- The Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, popularly known as Mumbai Cha Raja or the Ganesh Gully pandal.
- What
- The Mandal unveiled a ‘Vaishnavanchi Wari’ tableau celebrating Maharashtra’s saint tradition ahead of its 99th Ganesh festival.
- When
- The tableau was unveiled on Friday; the Mandal’s festival began in 1928 and is preparing for its 99th annual celebration.
- Where
- Ganesh Gully in Parel, Mumbai, in the area known as Girangaon.
- Why
- Organizers said the theme aims to highlight the influence of Maharashtra’s saints on the state’s social and religious traditions.
- Festival
- Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal’s 99th annual Ganesh festival
- Theme
- ‘Vaishnavanchi Wari’
- Location
- Ganesh Gully, Parel, Mumbai
- Founded
- 1928, at Peru Chawl
- Moved to Ganesh Gully
- 1938
- Saint tradition
- The Warkari tradition associated with Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram and Eknath
- Cultural activities
- Theatre, music, lecture series and folk arts