Lalbaugcha Raja 2026: 3D-printed Bappa idols now, 1,000 a day capacity

Ganeshotsav is usually marked by devotion, tradition and handcrafted artistry, but this year Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja pandal has added modern technology to that tradition. 3D printing company WOL3D has unveiled Ganesh idols and miniature replicas of Lalbaugcha Raja made using 3D printing technology on the occasion of Ganeshotsav.

WOL3D is completing 10 years since its founding, and this special initiative has been launched to mark the occasion. Through its BRAHMA project, the company is trying to bring 3D printing technology to ordinary people. As part of this, people are getting a glimpse of how colourful Ganesh idols and small replicas of Lalbaugcha Raja are actually made using 3D printing.

3D printing is a process entirely different from the traditional method. It requires no mould; it is an Additive Manufacturing process, in which an object is built layer by layer based on a digital design. This technology makes it easy to create fine and intricate designs. It also makes it possible to customise items according to customer needs and reduce material wastage.

Another notable feature of this initiative is the company's production capacity. According to the company, 200 printers are running at its BRAHMA 3D Farm, with the capacity to make around 1,000 Bappa idols every day. The company says this proves 3D printing is no longer limited to making prototypes or samples, but can also be used for large-scale retail production, personalised customised items and creative merchandise.

WOL3D's CEO and Managing Director Rahul Chandalia expressed happiness over the initiative. He said that partnering with Lalbaugcha Raja on the occasion of the company completing ten years is special for him. He said the response to the 3D-printed Bappa idols and the small replicas of Lalbaugcha Raja has been very good.

Chandalia also said that through BRAHMA, the company's aim is to build India's largest divine collection, and the initiative launched at Lalbaugcha Raja is an important first step in that direction.

This initiative at the Lalbaugcha Raja festival also reflects the growing convergence of religious-cultural tradition and new manufacturing technology. The use of 3D printing is no longer confined to prototypes, but has extended to customised products, creative merchandise and retail production. Mumbaikars now have the chance to see Bappa idols made with modern 3D printing technology amid the traditional atmosphere of Ganeshotsav.