Mumbai Police have stepped up security arrangements across sensitive routes in the city ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026, with a focus on maintaining public peace and ensuring smooth crowd movement during the festival. Pics/Ashish Raje

Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja isn't just a festival idol; it's a global phenomenon. For over nine decades, millions of devotees have poured into the narrow lanes of Parel, waiting in line for hours just for a split-second darshan. From breathtaking theme-based decor to subtle changes in crown styling and throne art, here is how Bappa's royal avatar has transformed over the years. Take a visual walk down memory lane as we trace the iconic journey of Mumbai's favourite King from 2011 to 2025. Which one is your favourite?(PICS/ ATUL KAMBLE, ASHISH RAJE, ANUSHREE GAIKWAD, SHADAB KHAN, and Mid-Day Archives)