Ganesh Visarjan 2024: Thousands of Idols Immersed on Anant Chaturdashi
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that the immersion of Lord Ganesha idols during the Anant Chaturdashi proceeded smoothly, with a total of 19,176 Ganpati and Gauri idols immersed across various locations in the city by 9 pm on the day of Ganesh Visarjan 2024.
Of the 19,176 idols immersed, 17,996 were Gharguti (household) idols, 1,053 were sarvjanik (public) idols, and 127 were Gauri idols, according to civic officials. A significant number of these idols, 7,570 in total, were immersed into artificial lakes to provide an environmentally-friendly option.
An official noted that the immersion process was conducted without any untoward incidents, emphasizing the successful and peaceful nature of the immersions on Anant Chaturdashi.
The 10-day Ganeshotsav festival began in Maharashtra on September 7, with devotees installing idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public pandals across the state amid much fanfare. Families, including children and elderly members, took to the streets early in the morning to bring their beloved god home, accompanied by chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” and the rhythmic beating of drums.
Traditional ‘dhol-tasha’ troupes added to the festive atmosphere as processions carrying the idols made their way through the streets. Many mandals, groups that celebrate the festival in public places, brought in their Ganesh idols with grand processions in the days leading up to the final immersions.
In Thane, hundreds of devotees participated in the Ganesh Visarjan processions, with a total of 1,823 idols immersed in the district by 8:30 pm. The majority of these idols were Gharguti idols, with a smaller number being sarvjanik idols.
The immersion processions in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, including Thane district, were conducted amidst tight security and fanfare as the festival drew to a close. Crowds gathered in various locations to bid farewell to the idols of Lord Ganesh, with Lalbaug in Mumbai witnessing a particularly grand procession for the idol of Tejukaya mandal.
In Mumbai’s Lalbaug area, known for its elaborate celebrations, the famous Lalbaugcha Raja idol was carried through the streets as devotees chanted and celebrated. Processions from different parts of the city made their way towards the Arabian Sea and other water bodies for the final immersion, marking the end of this year’s festivities.
Devotees thronged the streets, especially along the main road leading to Girgaon beach, eager to catch a final glimpse of the adorned idols of the elephant-headed god before they were taken for immersion. The festive atmosphere was palpable as the community came together to bid farewell to Lord Ganesh.
As the Ganesh Visarjan concluded peacefully, it underscored the significance of the festival in bringing communities together in celebration and devotion. The successful immersions and the environmentally-conscious approach to idol immersion highlighted the spirit of unity and responsibility among devotees during this auspicious time.
