Harsh Goenka Questions VIP Darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja

RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka has questioned the practice of VIP treatment at Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja. He said religious visits should not turn into publicity-driven events and raised concerns over photographers, selfies and influencer coverage around places of worship. Questioning why VIP darshan should exist at Lalbaugcha Raja, Goenka said billionaires, celebrities and ordinary devotees should be treated equally before God and asked whether everyone should not stand in the same queue.

Goenka’s remarks came amid renewed discussion over the experience of ordinary devotees during this year’s Ganeshotsav at Lalbaugcha Raja. However, according to the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal’s official information, it does not issue VIP passes or charge devotees for darshan. The mandal offers Mukh Darshan and Charan Sparsh Darshan, with queues for both opened during the 2026 festival.