Byculla Cha Raja 2026 | The Untold 75-Year Legacy | London Delegates Visited This Ganpati Mandal

TGP S3E14 🙏 Jai Ganesh Doston! Every Ganesh Mandal has a story. Some become famous because of their size. Some become famous because of social media. But a few become unforgettable because they protect their traditions for generations. This episode of The Ganeshutsav Podcast (TGP) brings you the incredible and untold story of Ram Nagar Bappa – Byculla Cha Raja, one of Mumbai's most respected yet underrated Ganesh Mandals, celebrating 75 glorious years of devotion, culture and selfless service. Founded by just 8–9 dedicated karyakartas in the heart of Ram Nagar's vegetable market in Byculla, this mandal grew through sacrifice, unity and unwavering faith. Every decoration, every celebration and every milestone reflects decades of hard work by volunteers who believed that tradition should always come before recognition. One of the most remarkable moments in the mandal's history happened during its Silver Jubilee celebrations. The stunning Sheesh Mahal decoration, handcrafted by the karyakartas themselves, was appreciated by delegates from London. At a time when there was no YouTube, Instagram or social media, the craftsmanship of this mandal earned international appreciation purely through its excellence. The episode also uncovers one of the most emotional incidents from the mandal's journey. During the 1992–93 Mumbai riots, when the city came to a standstill, electricity was unavailable and celebrations across the city were deeply affected. Yet, for eight consecutive days, the Aarti of Ram Nagar Bappa continued only in the light of traditional diyas. That moment became a symbol of faith, resilience and the unwavering spirit of the volunteers. Another extraordinary legacy belongs to the mandal's Murti makers. The tradition began with Shri Kaasle Kaka, followed by Shri Vitthal Zhaad, and today continues through Shri Rajan Zhaad. For over six decades, the Zhaad family has been associated with Byculla Cha Raja, preserving the same artistic vision and spiritual values across generations. Unlike many mandals, Byculla Cha Raja continues to maintain a unique tradition. The mandal installs only one Ganpati idol, which serves as the main and only idol for worship throughout the festival. Their focus has always remained on devotion, culture, self-built decorations and meaningful Visarjan traditions. As the mandal celebrates its historic 75th year, preparations are underway for one of the biggest decoration themes in Byculla. In this exclusive podcast, we discuss: • The inspiring journey from a small vegetable market to becoming a respected Ganesh Mandal. • The struggles and sacrifices made by the founding karyakartas. • The philosophy behind preserving traditions for 75 years. • The unforgettable visit by London delegates. • The emotional story from the 1992–93 Mumbai riots. • The legacy of the Zhaad family. • Preparations for the grand 75th-year celebrations. • The future vision of Byculla Cha Raja. This is much more than a conversation about a Ganesh Mandal. It is a tribute to every volunteer who works tirelessly behind the scenes without seeking recognition. If you truly admire Ganesh Utsav, heritage and the spirit of selfless service, this episode is a must-watch. ❤️ Watch the full episode, share it with fellow Ganesh devotees, and support heritage-rich Ganesh Mandals that continue to preserve the true essence of Ganeshotsav. 🎬 Available NOW for Premium Members. 📺 Public Premiere: Today at 6:00 PM on the Maaza Ganesha YouTube Channel. Like • Share • Comment • Subscribe Ganpati Bappa Morya! 🙏