A viral video shared by Indian billionaire Harsh Goenka, with a retweet from social media influencer Simran Budharup, has brought the issue of VIP culture in Mumbai to the forefront, especially during the grand Ganesh festival celebrations. Goenka’s post sheds light on the stark inequality between the experiences of commoners and VIPs at the famous Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.

The video footage reveals a distressing scene that resonates with many festival attendees. As a queue of devoted followers patiently wait their turn, they are forcefully moved aside by event staff to clear a path for a VIP family. The family, seemingly unaffected by the commotion, leisurely poses for photographs in front of the sacred Ganesh idol, leaving the regular devotees feeling disheartened and frustrated.

Goenka, recognized for his active social media engagement and thought-provoking posts, captioned the video with a powerful message. He wrote, “Simran Budharup and I are sharing this to expose the unfairness. While VIPs receive special treatment, ordinary devotees endure hours of waiting in the heat and crowded conditions. This needs to change.”

This incident has ignited a conversation about the preferential treatment often witnessed at religious festivals and events across India. Despite the Ganesh festival being celebrated as a communal gathering, attracting millions of devotees, the existence of VIP lanes and separate entrances has sparked controversy. Devotees argue that such practices contradict the festival’s core values of equality and unity.

The Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal, a revered and longstanding Ganesh pandal in Mumbai, has faced similar controversies in the past. In 2022, a viral video showing a VIP devotee jumping the queue and performing aarti ahead of others sparked widespread criticism on social media. The Mandal’s management had issued a statement, assuring equal treatment for all devotees, but the recent video by Goenka and Budharup suggests that more needs to be done.

Their collective effort has reignited the debate, with many calling for an end to VIP culture at religious events. Social media platforms are buzzing with personal experiences and sentiments shared by netizens. One Twitter user commented, “Simran Budharup and Harsh Goenka have brought attention to a crucial issue. It’s time for festival organizers to ensure equality and respect for all devotees, regardless of their social standing.”

As the discussion gains traction, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into tangible changes in policy or heightened awareness among organizers and VIP attendees. The Ganesh festival, celebrated for its vibrant traditions and devotion, brings together people from diverse backgrounds. Ensuring equal treatment for all devotees is essential to preserving the festival’s inclusive and sacred spirit.