'Bhed Bhav' at Lalbaugcha Raja: Viral Video Shows VIP Privilege, Sparks Outrage

A video circulating on social media has sparked widespread anger, showing workers at Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja rudely pushing devotees aside while allowing VIP guests to enjoy preferential treatment. Lalbaugcha Raja is one of the oldest and most revered Ganesh mandals in Mumbai, frequently visited by Bollywood celebrities and other high-profile individuals.

The video has drawn criticism for what many are calling "bhed bhav" or discrimination against ordinary devotees. While VIPs were seen posing for pictures in front of the iconic Ganesh idol, common visitors were being hurriedly moved along by security personnel.

One Instagram user condemned the behavior, writing, "This is how normal people are treated at Lalbaugcha Raja. Even in seeking blessings, there is discrimination." Another commented, "It's very sad to see people waiting for over 10-15 hours for just a few seconds of darshan, only to be treated like this."

 

Celebrities like Kartik Aaryan, Varun Dhawan, Sana Makbul, and Shalin Bhanot have been among the notable visitors to Lalbaugcha Raja this year, further fueling the divide between how VIPs and regular devotees are treated at the mandal.

The video has led to calls for a more equitable system at the temple, with many urging the management to ensure fair treatment for all devotees, regardless of their status.