“A Royal Affair: Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations at Lukshmi Vilas Palace”

1. The Lukshmi Vilas Palace hosts its own festival, where the royal family welcomes Lord Ganesha (Bappa) in all royal splendor.

2. Since 1936, the Chavan family has been making idols of Lord Ganesha for the Baroda Royals, the Gaekwads. It all started when Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad organized a competition to select the artists who would make the Ganesh idol for the palace.

3. Artist Krishnarao Chavan’s idol was selected in 1936, and since then, his family has been making the idol for the royal family.

4. The Ganesh idol was initially made in the theme of Chandrasur Vadh from 1936 to 1939, which was later changed to be more sacred and holy.

5. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad passed away during the same time, and Pratapsinhrao was crowned as the king. He called saints from Kashi to design the new idol, which is followed till today.

6. On Akshay Tritiya, a “paatio” (a small wooden platform) is sent to the Chavan studio, where a pooja is performed, marking the beginning of the idol-making process. The clay used for the idol is specially brought from Bhavnagar, and the idol is made to be about 3 feet high.

7. After approximately two months, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the idol is sent to the Rajmahal in a procession, accompanied by the beautiful tunes of shannal played by the royal band.

8. Once the idol arrives at the palace, it is adorned with gold ornaments and a pooja (sthappal) is performed.

9. The last few days are kept open for visitors’ darshan, wherein people from the city can come and see the royal Ganpati idol. Visitors from all across the country come to offer their prayers to Lord Ganesha.

10. Earlier, the Indumati Palace used to host the idol of Lord Ganesha, but this tradition was later shifted to the Lukshmi Vilas Palace.

11. The 10-day festivity of Ganpati brings joy to all, but people also feel sad bidding adieu to Bappa on the day of immersion. They promise to welcome him again next year.