New Delhi: Billionaire and chairman of RPG Group, Harsh Goenka, shared a video on Thursday on the social media platform X, drawing attention to the VIP culture at Lalbaugcha Raja, one of Mumbai’s most visited Ganesh pandals during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
In the video, Goenka highlights the contrast in the treatment of VIPs and ordinary worshippers at these religious sites, questioning, “Isn’t faith meant to be equal for everyone?”
Ever wondered why people opt for VIP darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja? It’s because the common devotee often faces long waits and crowds, highlighting the unequal treatment. Isn’t faith supposed to be equal for all? pic.twitter.com/kCAhpcDq25
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) September 12, 2024
VIP darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja
His post reads: “Ever wondered why people opt for VIP darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja? It’s because the average devotee often endures long waits and crowds, underscoring the unequal treatment. Isn’t faith supposed to be equal for all?”
The video depicts a lengthy queue of devotees being pushed and shoved by workers at the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
Lalbaugcha Raja attracts around 1.5 million worshippers each day during the 10-day Ganesh festival. In a separate video, common devotees, who often wait in line for up to 12 hours, are seen hurried past the iconic idol by security personnel, while a VIP family is leisurely taking photos in front of the idol without being rushed.
देवाच्या नावावर बाजार का मांडलाय तुम्ही
लोकाना अश्या दुर्व्यवहराला सामोरे जावे लागते.
तुम्हाला लाजा वाटत नाहित का ?
हे मंडळ सरकारने बरखास्त करावे अशी मी सरकार कडे मागणी करतो.#LalbaugchaRaja#LalbaghchaRaja#GaneshPuja #ganpati pic.twitter.com/anAkuIaU60
— Wellwisher (@Wellwisher6333) September 13, 2024
Devotees criticise VIP culture at religious places
These videos have sparked a debate about the privileges granted to VIPs, even in religious settings. Responding to Goenka’s post, netizens criticised the VIP culture. “We are responsible for this ourselves… it’s absurd. I still believe you find more peace of mind praying at home,” one user commented. “The same thing happens every year. Can’t they find a better way to manage the crowd? I believe if the VIP line were removed, 50% of the crowd could be redirected,” said another.
“We live in a world where the privileged believe even God is more accessible to those with money! It’s amusing how those with privileged access take selfies with the deity to show off, while ordinary people are just trying to get a few seconds of blessings,” added another user.