Englandcha Rajaa: Leeds Hosts First Large-Scale Public Ganeshotsav with 6000 Devotees
Reported by Radhika Sharma
United Kingdom, Leeds, 23rd September 2026: A six-foot Ganpati idol, crafted by Mumbai-based sculptor Santosh Kamble, who is associated with the artistry of Lalbaugcha Raja, brought a distinctly Maharashtrian touch to Leeds this Ganeshotsav as the city hosted its first large-scale public celebration of Englandcha Rajaa.
The seven-day Ganeshotsav, held from 14 to 20 September, brought together members of the Indian community from across the UK and beyond. More than 6,000 people visited the celebration for darshan, with devotees travelling from London, Manchester, Newcastle and other parts of the UK, as well as from across Europe.
The initiative was started by Suhas Pawar and the Leeds Connect Group following around one-and-a-half years of research, planning and preparation. The aim was to bring Bappa to Leeds through an authentic, large-scale Ganeshotsav that would allow the Indian community to celebrate its faith, traditions and culture while also introducing the wider Leeds community to the festival.
“The vision was to bring Bappa to Leeds and create an authentic, large-scale Ganeshotsav where the Indian community could come together to celebrate its faith, traditions and culture,” said Pratham of Social Spark, the official media partner for Englandcha Rajaa 2026.
The idol was created by Kamble after organisers sought a sculptor who could reflect the traditional Maharashtrian craftsmanship and grandeur they envisioned for the celebration. The murti was transported from Mumbai to Leeds with support from Dilip Shah of Sudeep & Company, using a specially designed upright box to ensure its safe transportation.
The Aagman and Sthapana of Bappa took place on 14 September, followed by Mukhdarshan at 5 pm. The celebrations included daily religious ceremonies, Mahaprasad, cultural performances and community activities before concluding with Visarjan on 20 September.
While Ganeshotsav has previously been observed privately by families and smaller community groups in Leeds, organisers described Englandcha Rajaa 2026 as the city’s first large-scale, seven-day public Ganeshotsav of this kind.
The celebration also became a community-led effort, with organisers, volunteers, sponsors and members coming together for the event. For many attendees, the gathering served as a connection between India and the UK, bringing people together through faith, culture and tradition.
“It was more than just a festival, it was a beautiful connection between India and the UK,” Pratham said.
