Andhericha Raja Darshan Guide
About Andhericha Raja
Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, the organizing body behind the iconic Andhericha Raja, was established in 1966—over five decades ago—by the hardworking blue-collar employees of Golden Tobacco Company, Tata Special Steel, and Excel Industries Ltd. These workers, originally from Mumbai’s traditional Ganeshotsav hubs of Lalbaug and Parel, had moved to Azad Nagar M.H.B. Colony in Andheri West to be closer to their workplaces.
The festival was started by a group of devoted individuals including M.K. Menon, Tukaram Salaskar, Vasudev Kasalkar, and others who laid the foundation for what would become one of Mumbai’s most beloved Ganesh celebrations.
Initially, both the life-size idol and the smaller Pooja Ganpati were immersed together on Anant Chaturdashi. However, in 1975, following the fulfillment of a heartfelt wish of then-Samiti Chairman Shri Appa Khanvilkar, the Ganesh idol came to be revered as “Navasala Pavnara Ganpati”—the wish-fulfilling Ganesha. Over time, the entire city began recognizing Him as “Andhericha Raja” – the King of Andheri.
In one remarkable incident, during a prolonged labor strike at one of the factories where devotees worked, prayers were offered to the deity for a resolution. When the strike ended favorably, the Samiti kept its promise to start immersing the large idol on Sankashti Chaturthi, which occurs five days after Anant Chaturdashi.
Today, the grand immersion procession of Andhericha Raja travels through the heart of Andheri village, starting at 5 PM and reaching the seashore by the following morning. It attracts lakhs of devotees who join the journey with vibrant music, lights, prasad distribution, and deep devotion.
The smaller pooja idol continues to be immersed on Anant Chaturdashi, maintaining the tradition.
With over 53 years of cultural heritage, Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti remains a pillar of Mumbai’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, upholding tradition, faith, and community spirit.
Andhericha Raja Darshan
In the morning (7:00 AM to 11:00 AM) is the best time – the crowd is less and the darshan is easy . There is a huge crowd in the evening and night, especially on weekends and holidays.
Andhericha Raja Location
Andhericha Raja Located in Veera Desai Road Andheri West here is the complete Address
How to Reach
Nearest mumbai local is Andheri Railway Station or Azad Nagar Subway Station. Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) is now operational, the MIDC–Andheri underground metro station opened in October 2024,
though it serves Andheri East region—not direct to Veera Desai Road from either station, take a short auto rickshaw ride (approximately ₹ 50–100 depending on traffic).
