'Don’t visit Lalbaugcha Raja if you don’t have Rs 100 crores in pocket': Social post sparks aam aadmi vs celebrity debate

A social media post complaining about the mismanagement at Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja has gone viral, sparking a heated online debate over crowd control, safety and the alleged “VIP treatment” given to celebrities. As per a Reddit post by a devotee, who travelled with his family from Surat for charan darshan, the visit to the iconic temple was “a nightmare of mismanagement and inhumanity.”

According to him, his younger sister suffered a head injury in the rush, his mother’s kurti was torn while she was pushed violently by staff, and his father fainted inside the mandap due to suffocation. Despite repeated distress, the family alleged that neither the Mandal management nor the Mumbai Police provided water, first aid or crowd relief. The family eventually left without darshan due to the father’s health condition.

Ordinary devotees vs celebrity darshan

The post alleged that while ordinary devotees are made to stand for hours in chaotic queues, celebrities and public figures are given a separate entry and even get the mandap cleared for their darshan.

The writer said it was “shocking” that despite crores in donations received every year, there were no arrangements for basic crowd management, drinking water or medical assistance for devotees.

Netizens share similar experiences

The post received thousands of reactions, with many users sharing similar experiences.
One user wrote: “You realized too late my friend.”
Another remarked: “Never visit any crowded place in India whether it is for religious or entertainment purpose.”
A third recalled: “Last year my mother’s cousin went there with her children. They joined the line at 8 AM and their turn came at 10.30 PM. Even then, they were pushed aside within seconds.”

The viral post has reignited discussion over how large-scale religious events are managed in India. While some devotees defended the mandal’s arrangements, others argued that the experience highlighted how faith is being overshadowed by crowd chaos, mismanagement and preferential treatment.

With Ganesh Chaturthi season drawing lakhs of devotees daily, questions are being raised on whether enough measures are being taken to ensure safety, dignity and equal treatment for all visitors, not just celebrities or those with influence.