LALBAUGCHA RAJA (The Emperor of Lalbaug)" is name of the popular Ganesh Idol of "LALBAUGCHA RAJA SARVAJANIK GANESHOTSAV MANDAL". The Mandal, formerly known as “SARVAJANIK GANESHOTSAV MANDAL, LALBAUG” was founded in the year 1934, at its existing place. With the consistent efforts & support of the then local Councillor-Late Shri. Kuwarji Jethabhai Shah, Dr. V. B. Korgaonkar and the local residents, the landlord Rajabai Tayyabali agreed to give a plot for construction of a market.

The Mandal was formed in the era when the freedom struggle was at its peak. Lokmanya Tilak introduced the idea of "Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav" for the awakening of people through this medium towards freedom struggle against the British Rule. Following the same, social issues were taken up along with religious duties, through this medium by the Mandal. During 1934 to 1947, series of speeches were arranged during this festival. National leader Shankarrao Deo, Labour Leader Bhai M. S. Mirajkar, Bhai Jagtap, Hindu Leader Anantrao Gadre, Bombay Congress Leaders like S.K. Patil, G.B. Mahashabde, Bhulabhai Desai were among the speakers who guided the people for social awareness.

During "Quit India" movement by Mahatma Gandhi, in 1942, the members of the Mandal viz. Kuwarji Jethabhai Shah, Dr. V.B. Korgaonkar, Hatle etc. were arrested by the British due to the involvement of the Mandal in the freedom struggle. During these years, the Ganesh idol was shown in the get-ups of different freedom fighters. In 1946, it was depicted as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. In 1947, to celebrate Independence, the Ganesh idol was in Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's get-up riding a bullock-cart. In 1948, after assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the Ganesh idol was his look-alike.