Mumbai is once again immersed in the festive spirit of Ganeshotsav, and Lalbaugcha Raja is witnessing the arrival of devotees as well as celebrities. Among those who sought Bappa’s blessings this year was actor Vidyut Jammwal, who was seen offering prayers at the iconic Ganpati pandal.
Known for his high-octane action performances and fitness, Vidyut showed a deeply devotional side during his visit. He performed a special puja with a damru and shankh, adding a spiritual touch to his darshan.
A glimpse of Vidyut’s visit has been attracting attention on social media, particularly because of the way he participated in the prayers rather than simply posing for photographs.
Vidyut Performs Puja With a Damru and Shankh
During his visit to Lalbaugcha Raja, Vidyut was seen carrying a damru and shankh as he offered prayers to Lord Ganesha.
The damru, traditionally associated with Lord Shiva, holds an important place in Hindu symbolism, while the blowing of a shankh is an integral part of several Hindu rituals and is considered auspicious during prayers.
Vidyut's use of these traditional symbols gave his Lalbaugcha Raja visit a distinctly spiritual character. The actor, who is often in the spotlight for his action skills and martial arts training, was seen in a completely different avatar while seeking Bappa's blessings.
Lalbaugcha Raja Enters Its 93rd Year
Vidyut's visit comes during the 93rd edition of Lalbaugcha Raja's Ganeshotsav.
According to the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, the 2026 celebrations are being held from September 14 to September 25. The first look of this year's idol was unveiled on September 11.
The pandal is once again one of Mumbai's biggest attractions during Ganeshotsav, drawing devotees from across the country.
Why Is Lalbaugcha Raja Known as ‘Navsacha Ganpati’?
Lalbaugcha Raja is popularly known as ‘Navsacha Ganpati’, or the Ganpati who fulfils devotees' wishes.
The story dates back to the 1930s, when Lalbaug was an important working-class neighbourhood of Mumbai. Local fishermen, traders and shopkeepers were affected after the closure of the local market and wanted a permanent place for their livelihoods.
According to the traditional account, the local community prayed for a permanent marketplace. After their wish was fulfilled, a public Ganpati idol was installed in Lalbaug in 1934.
The tradition continued to grow over the decades, eventually turning Lalbaugcha Raja into one of the most recognised Ganpati celebrations in Mumbai.
The belief that Bappa fulfils sincere wishes is one of the reasons devotees continue to travel long distances to seek his blessings every year.
A Special Theme for Lalbaugcha Raja in 2026
This year's Lalbaugcha Raja celebrations have also attracted attention for the elaborate design of the pandal.
The entrance has reportedly been inspired by the architecture of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, while the main darbar features elaborate silver work.
The 2026 presentation also incorporates elements associated with Lord Shiva, including a prominent Shivling and Shiva imagery.
Against this backdrop, Vidyut's appearance with a damru during his prayers added another interesting spiritual visual to his visit.
Lalbaugcha Raja and Bollywood's Long-Standing Connection
Lalbaugcha Raja has become an important part of Mumbai's celebrity culture as well as its religious tradition.
Every year, several Bollywood personalities visit the pandal to seek Bappa's blessings. Over the years, stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Priyanka Chopra, Sonu Sood, Kangana Ranaut, Anil Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Tamannaah Bhatia, among others, have been spotted at Lalbaugcha Raja.
For celebrities, just like millions of other devotees, the visit is often less about glamour and more about participating in one of Mumbai's most deeply rooted traditions.
Vidyut Jammwal's Spiritual Side
Vidyut Jammwal is best known for his action films, martial arts expertise and extreme fitness routines. His public persona has largely been associated with physical strength and action-driven cinema.
His Lalbaugcha Raja visit, however, offered fans a glimpse of a more spiritual side of the actor.
Performing puja with a damru and shankh, Vidyut appeared deeply immersed in the rituals as he sought the blessings of Bappa.
His visit also comes at a time when Mumbai's Ganeshotsav is bringing together people from different walks of life—from ordinary devotees standing in long queues to Bollywood celebrities arriving to seek blessings.
From 1934 to 2026, Lalbaugcha Raja Remains a Mumbai Tradition
What started as a community Ganpati celebration in 1934 has today become one of Mumbai's biggest cultural and religious traditions.
For more than nine decades, Lalbaugcha Raja has remained closely connected with the city's identity. Its popularity has only grown with each passing year, with devotees continuing to arrive in huge numbers during Ganeshotsav.
Vidyut Jammwal's visit is another glimpse of that enduring tradition—where a Bollywood action star, holding a damru and shankh, joins countless devotees in seeking the blessings of Mumbai's beloved Navsacha Raja.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!