**Ujjain Welcomes ‘Lalbaug Cha Raja’ With Grand Procession as Ganesh Utsav Preparations Peak**
**UJJAIN:** The festive spirit gripped Ujjain on Tuesday night as the city witnessed a grand arrival procession for a prominent Ganesh idol, marking the beginning of the highly anticipated Ganesh Utsav season.
At approximately 9:00 p.m., the Yuvraj Ganeshotsav Samiti of Kalalseri brought their deity to the city’s bustling Freeganj Tower intersection, drawing a massive crowd of devotees and enthusiastic youth. To mark the occasion, the committee erected a specially designed platform at the intersection, turning the area into a vibrant hub of celebration.
The atmosphere was electric as the procession featured high-energy performances, with participants dancing to the beat of drums and devotional music, accompanied by a spectacular display of fireworks.
“This is the arrival of our ‘Lalbaug Cha Raja,'” said Pritam Gupta, a member of the organizing committee. “Our committee has been installing Ganesh idols for the past decade, and this marks our second year hosting such an elaborate arrival ceremony.”
**Artistry and Devotion**
The idol, a testament to local craftsmanship, was commissioned from Ujjain-based artisans at a cost of approximately ₹1.8 lakh. The design is notably intricate, depicting Lord Ganesha seated on his divine vehicle. The craftsmanship includes symbolic representations of Lord Shiva, with the deity holding a *shivaling*, a *damru*, and a *trishul*.
**The Road to Ganesh Chaturthi**
The procession at Freeganj Tower is a precursor to the wider celebrations scheduled across the city. As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches on September 7, Ujjain is seeing an influx of idols as households and community pandals prepare for the 10-day festival.
With the city’s streets beginning to bustle with traditional fervor, local authorities and committees are bracing for a week of intense devotional activity. For the next ten days, the city will remain immersed in prayers and community festivities, a tradition that continues to be a cornerstone of Ujjain’s cultural calendar.
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*Photos: A glimpse of the festivities at Freeganj Tower.*
