Explore the reasons behind the unprecedented 13-hour delay in Lalbaugcha Raja’s immersion, the challenges faced, and the controversies that followed.

Lalbaugcha Raja Visarjan 2025: 13-Hour Delay, Broken Traditions, and Controversy

The immersion of Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh idol in 2025 deviated from its long-standing tradition, facing an unprecedented 13-hour delay. This delay not only disrupted the customary schedule but also sparked debates and controversies among devotees and the community.

Reasons Behind the Delay

High Tide and Rough Seas

Traditionally, the immersion occurs on the morning of Anant Chaturdashi. However, this year, high tide conditions and rough seas made it impossible to proceed with the immersion at the usual time. The sea level reached 4.42 meters, causing multiple failed attempts to immerse the idol Rediff.

Technical Challenges

Adding to the complications, the newly constructed mechanized raft designed for the immersion faced technical issues. Despite several attempts, the idol could not be placed onto the raft until the afternoon, further delaying the process.

Community Reactions and Controversies

Fishermen’s Community Outrage

The Akhil Maharashtra Macchimar Kruti Samiti, representing the fishermen community, expressed strong disapproval over the delay. They criticized the organizers for sidelining their traditional role in the immersion process and for proceeding with the immersion during the lunar eclipse, an inauspicious time.

Political Attention

The delay attracted political attention, with leaders like Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray reaching out to the organizers. Their involvement highlighted the significance of the event and the concerns raised by the community.

The Immersion Process

After overcoming the challenges, the immersion finally took place at 9:15 PM on Sunday. A specially constructed raft, assisted by fishermen’s boats and escorted by police teams, carried the idol into the deep sea amidst chants and cheers from thousands of devotees.

The 2025 Lalbaugcha Raja immersion was marked by unprecedented delays and controversies. While the challenges faced were genuine, the incident highlighted the importance of adhering to traditions and the need for better planning in future events. The community’s reactions underscore the deep-rooted cultural significance of the event and the expectations of the devotees.

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