Inside the 89-year legacy of Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja

Have you ever seen a 14-foot-tall idol, crafted with such precision that it seems to breathe? In Mumbai, during September’s Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Ganesh idols are everywhere — from grand displays in bustling pandals to small statues in homes and shops and street corners — reflecting the city’s deep devotion and festive spirit.

The Kambli family stands at the heart of this tradition. Third-generation sculptor Santosh Kambli and his family have been quietly shaping the city’s spiritual landscape for generations through the creation of the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja (King of Lalbaug).

According to Beyond, “Lalbaugcha Raja’s mandal is the biggest, most revered and oldest in Mumbai. It attracts an average of 1.5 million devotees each day, with the crowds swelling on weekends, during Gauri puja, and on immersion day. The mandal, known as the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug, was founded in 1928 and has since become an integral part of Mumbai’s cultural fabric.”

Santosh Kambli at his workshop in Mumbai (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

A legacy three generations strong

“This is the third generation of our family involved in crafting Lalbaugcha Raja,” Santosh Kambli tells indianexpress.com. “My grandfather started this tradition in 1935,” he says, with a voice tinged with pride and reverence. Recounting how his grandfather, Madhusudan Donduji Kambli, laid the foundation of this legacy, he says that Lalbaugcha Raja, first sculpted by Madhusudan, has become an iconic symbol of devotion in Mumbai. Today, Santosh carries on the family tradition, alongside his father. “We see this not just as our profession, but as our sacred duty to the community and our devotion to Lord Ganesha,” he explains.

The family’s history stretches back nearly nine decades, with each generation refining the artistry behind the idol. Santosh’s paternal uncle, Venkatesh, took over in the 1960s, further establishing the unique style of Lalbaugcha Raja. Today, Santosh and his father are responsible for the idol, honouring their deep religious beliefs in every creation. This deep-rooted devotion is evident in every curve and contour of their creations, each one a testament to their faith and artistic skill.

The Kamblis aren’t just sculptors; they are the custodians of a tradition that draws millions of devotees to this location each year; their hands moulding not just clay and plaster, but faith itself.

The process behind crafting Lalbaugcha Raja

The creation of Lalbaugcha Raja is a months-long endeavour, starting in June. “We begin our preparations after performing the auspicious rituals associated with Lalbaugcha Raja,” Santosh says. This early start ensures that the time and care necessary to craft a 14-foot-tall idol worthy of devotees’ faith are given.

But how does one translate divinity into form? “We follow the artistic depictions of Lord Ganesha according to the Puranas and sacred texts,” Santosh explains. This balance of tradition and innovation is key to crafting an idol that not only impresses visually but also resonates spiritually. The Lalbaugcha Raja idol is known for its life-like appearance, which blends awe-inspiring divinity with relatable, human-like features. “When devotees look at Lalbaugcha Raja, they often feel as if God is sitting right in front of them,” he says.

5 feet idol of lord Ganesha exported to Thailand leaving from Kambli Arts workshop, Chinchpokli in Mumbai (Express photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

What is special about this year’s bappa?

While the idol’s design remains the same each year, Santosh told indianexpress.com that it was yesterday that they learnt of, “Anant Ambani, who recently became a part of the mandal committee, donating a 20 kg gold crown worth approximately 17 crore for Lalbaugcha Raja.” Speaking about its design, he mentioned the “fine detailing” that has gone into making it.

The unique design

The uniqueness of Lalbaugcha Raja lies in its proportions and posture. Santosh elaborates that while the moorti is the tallest in the country — at 14 feet tall — what sets Lalbaugcha Raja apart is its slim yet majestic form. “We pay careful attention to the proportions to ensure that bappa’s idol is both impressive in size and elegant in form,” he says. The idol’s signature features include a slight tilt of the face, a gentle smile, and a unique seating position, making it distinct from more common depictions of Lord Ganesha.

“We sculpt Lalbaugcha Raja seated on a throne, which we meticulously craft anew each year,” Santosh says, adding: “This posture gives the idol a regal appearance, befitting the King of Lalbaug.” The clothing and other accessories are provided by the mandal, completing the divine look.

Lalbaugcha Raja’s mandal is the biggest, most revered and oldest in Mumbai. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

Challenges during the monsoon season

Mumbai’s monsoon season, which coincides with the preparation period, presents many challenges for idol-making. “We have to be extremely careful and innovative in our approach,” Santosh says. The team uses halogen lamps and fans to dry the statues quickly, as the rain and humidity can affect the clay.

This controlled drying process becomes particularly crucial during the painting phase. “If not done correctly, the colours could run when exposed to rain during immersion,” he says. Over the years, the Kambli family has perfected techniques to ensure “Lalbaugcha Raja maintains its beauty throughout the festival, regardless of the weather conditions,” he tells us.

Sourcing of materials and environmental concerns

The materials used to create Lalbaugcha Raja are sourced locally from Mumbai, and Santosh is particular about maintaining high quality standards. “All our materials are sourced from dealers we’ve worked with for years,” he says. The primary material for the idol is plaster, which is not only manageable for the immersion process but also environmentally friendly, as it dissolves easily in water.

While the large idol cannot yet be made from entirely eco-friendly materials due to structural requirements, Santosh has started crafting smaller, biodegradable Ganpati idols. These eco-friendly versions, made from clay and mud, are gaining popularity, especially among younger devotees who are more environmentally conscious.

Santosh and his team have developed special techniques to combat the challenges of the monsoon season. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

Protecting the legacy

Santosh is committed to preserving the uniqueness of Lalbaugcha Raja. To safeguard its design, he has registered a copyright on the idol’s unique style. “We’ve taken this step to preserve the authenticity and spiritual significance of Lalbaugcha Raja,” he says.

This move protects the artistic integrity of the idol and allows the family to focus on their craft, knowing their creation is secure. “Today, no one can claim this specific artistic interpretation as their own,” Santosh proudly states, adding that this protection allows them to “focus on creating the best possible idol each year, knowing that the legacy of Lalbaughcha Raja is secure.”

Determining the price of these idols

How does one put a price on faith made tangible? Santosh approaches this with the same thoughtfulness he applies to his craft. “Every year, the cost of raw materials such as coir, plaster, and water fluctuates. Consequently, there’s a 10-20 per cent variation in our production costs annually. We strive to balance the quality of our idols with fair pricing, ensuring that devotees can bring home a piece of Lalbaugcha Raja’s divine presence.”

“We always prioritise the spiritual and artistic value of our work over profit,” Santosh adds.

The future of idol-making

As the Kambli family looks to the future, Santosh reflects on the challenges of sustaining this tradition. “There are very few families like mine who are actively involved in idol making,” he says. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic. “We’ve maintained this art form for three generations, and we hope to continue passing it down.”

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