Ganesh idol immersion processions begin as devotees bid farewell to their favourite deity
The Hindu
Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai concludes with grand processions, tight security, and eco-friendly initiatives for immersion.
Processions for the immersion of Lord Ganesh idols began in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra on Tuesday (September 17, 2024) morning amid tight security and fanfare as the 10-day festival drew to a close.
The ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ festival, which began on September 7, concludes with ‘Anant Chaturdashi’ on Tuesday (September 17, 2024).
In Mumbai’s Lalbaug area, famous for celebrating the festival with grandeur, the procession of the idol of Tejukaya mandal started amid the chants of “Ganapati bappa morya, pudhchya varshi lavkar ya” (come soon next year Lord).
Crowds gathered on the lanes of Lalbaug, braving the scorching sun to bid farewell to the famous Lalbaugcha Raja idol, which attracts the maximum number of devotees, celebrities and prominent personalities.
Processions from various parts of Mumbai, including Fort, Mazgaon, Byculla, Dadar, and Chembur, will make 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 on the main road leading to the Girgaon beach, in large numbers, eager to catch a final glimpse of the elaborately adorned idols of the elephant-headed god when they are taken out of pandals for their journey to immersion sites.
There was also a large gathering of people at Lalbaug’s Shroff building to witness ‘pushpa vrushti’ (showering of flowers) on the Ganesh idols.