Mumbai’s bastion of textile industry, Lalbaug, was known as the main mill area. Folks who worked in mills and came mainly from Konkan region was the middle class man. Central Mumbai areas like Lalbaug, Parel, Sewri, Worli was predominantly occupied by these people. They had regular but huge market places in and around Peru chawl, Jam mill compound. During these days all festival related marketing
use to happen out of these locations be it Ganesh festival, Diwali or Dussera. Lot of Marathi folks had their shops here.Lokmanya Tilak started Ganesh festival with a thought of getting ordinary man together and lit the fire of Independence struggle in them through common platform. With this aim in mind some young people staying around Peru chawl started “Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal” in year 1928. Initially this was a 5 day event in the market area of Peru chawl with cultural programs like Bhajans, Kirtans, local folk dances, etc. The idea was to bring all people in and around these areas together for a cause. Going forward as the population started growing the location was moved to Tejukaya Mansion and after that to its current location that is Ganesh Galli in the year 1937-38. During this time it was celebrated from 5 days to 11 days, mandal also started celebrating Navratri Utsaav during that time at the same place. Close by localities like Wadia, Chinchpokli, Kalachowki, Currey Road, Meghawadi were the main participants for these festivals. In 1942, during pre-Independence days these festivals played a major role, different patriotic exhibitions were put around these idols to bring awareness among people to fight for freedom. When Ganesh Idol posed as Subhash Chandra Bose riding seven horses was presented in 1945, it was so popular and well accepted that mandal had to extend the festival for 45 days. It was so much publicized in Mumbai area that Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal got a huge recognition due to it. After 1947, Various Independence and India’s progress related ideas were displayed during Ganesh as well as Navratri festival. All these idols started getting popular, it pulled a huge crowd. As these festivals became big and popular, the events also started getting unique. Mela’s and fun fairs were the main attractions for kids. Professional dances and drama’s were also crowd pullers. Year 1950-51, mandal was registered with Charity commissioner, the journey for social causes was commenced. Mandal supported its different events with nominal donations from people in and around the area. Mandal always had generous donors to help different events as well as social cause. Many artist, right from sculputrist to stage decoration folks have played a major role and are a huge contributor’s in making Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsaav Mandal’s name reach heights. To name a few these were Shri. Ram Sarang, Late Shri. Shyam Sarang, Late Shri.Govindrao & Shri. Sakharam Sheelkar brothers. The long journey from small time fun pursuit by some unknown youth to today’s colossal activities related mandal which deals in lot of cultural, health, social and professional arena is a great Success Story.
