Ganesh Visarjan: Over 18,000 Idols Immersed as Devotees Bid Emotional Farewell to Lord Ganesh
On the seventh day of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai, a total of 18,358 Ganesh idols were immersed in the waters of the city until 6:00 am today, marking the emotional farewell to Lord Ganesh. This number includes both Sarvajanik (public) and Gharguti (home) idols, as well as Gauri idols, which are traditionally immersed alongside Ganesh idols.
Of the total immersions, Sarvajanik idols accounted for 1,921, followed by Gharguti idols with 16,286 immersions, and Gauri idols with 151 immersions. Authorities have been promoting environmentally friendly techniques, leading to a large number of idols being immersed in artificial lakes. In total, 5,228 idols were immersed in these eco-friendly artificial water bodies, including 272 Sarvajanik idols, 4,891 Gharguti idols, and 65 Gauri idols.
The Mumbai administration has confirmed that the immersion process was carried out efficiently and safely, with all necessary precautions in place to ensure the well-being of devotees and the environment. The immersion of Ganesh idols holds significance in the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, where devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesh and seek blessings for the removal of obstacles in their lives.
The use of manmade lakes for immersion has been a positive step towards reducing the environmental impact of the festival on natural water bodies. Authorities have also implemented strict monitoring and organization at the immersion sites to ensure the safety and convenience of participants.
As the festival progresses, more immersion reports are expected in the upcoming days, particularly on Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of celebrations when large Sarvajanik idols are traditionally immersed.
In Thane, the immersion of Ganesh idols across various lakes is in full swing as the Ganeshotsav festivities continue. Recent data shows that over 1,700 Ganesh idols have been immersed in different lakes and ghats in Thane, marking a significant milestone in the annual visarjan ceremonies. Across Thane, a total of 1,764 idols have been immersed at various locations.
Notable immersion sites in Thane include Masunda Lake (Damodar Ghat), where 96 household idols and four Sarvajanik idols were immersed, and Kharegaon Lake, which saw 44 immersions. Other lakes such as Rewale Lake and Gaimukh recorded 67 household idols and five public idols, and 77 household idols and 15 public idols, respectively. The Diva Ganesh Ghat witnessed the highest number of immersions with 397 idols submerged.
Efforts to promote eco-friendly practices have been visible, with many devotees opting for manmade lakes to minimize environmental impact. For example, the artificial lake at Kolshet Ghat had 54 immersions, while Rayaladevi Ghat 2 had 168 submerged idols.
Smaller lakes like the one at Shankar Temple had three idols immersed, and Ambeghosale Lake had one household idol and four Sarvajanik idols submerged. Upvan Talav and Kriyam Talav saw 215 household idols and 20 public idols submerged, and 71 household idols and four public idols submerged, respectively.
As the immersion process continues in Thane, the focus remains on ensuring a safe and eco-friendly conclusion to the Ganeshotsav celebrations. Devotees are encouraged to participate responsibly and contribute to the preservation of the environment during this auspicious festival.
