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Mumbai bids emotional farewell to Ganesh

Millions of enthusiasts thronged the city’s roads and beaches on Monday, as nearly 200,000 idols of the Hindu deity Ganesh were immersed in the sea and a few lakes and other water bodies.

About 50,000 security personnel fanned across the metropolis to ensure smooth passage for the thousands of processions that wound their way through the city’s streets from noon onwards. Many of the large Ganesh idols had still not reached the beaches till late at night. ‘Ganesh chaturthi’ is one of the most popular festivals in Maharashtra. Celebrations culminate on ‘Anant Chaturdashi,’ when the idols of the elephant-headed deity are taken in processions and immersed in water bodies.

In Mumbai, the idols are brought to nearly 100 immersion points along the western coastline or near the lakes in the suburbs. Huge crowds gather along the routes to the immersion points, as the colourful and noisy processions move at a slow pace. The larger idols – including the Lalbaug Ganpati — are taken around various localities before being immersed.

The most popular immersion points are at Girgaon Chowpatty, Shivaji Park, Juhu beach and Versova. The civic body and the police had made elaborate arrangements to ensure that there were no accidents or casualties. Nearly 500 lifeguards had been positioned at the numerous beaches and hundreds of CCTVs had been installed to monitor the movement of the processions.

The police this year also made special efforts to curb anti-social elements from taking advantage of the crowd and harassing women. Hundreds of plainclothes policemen mingled around the crowds, keeping an eye on such elements. The police had also taken preventive measures including detention of known offenders.

Noise levels also peaked on Monday, especially towards the evening, as the processions were accompanied by bands playing on traditional drums known as ‘dhol-tashas,’ which generate loud noise. Many of the processions were also accompanied by dancers and elaborate music systems with large loudspeakers.

According to police spokesperson, besides officers and men of the Mumbai force, teams from the rapid action force, quick response teams and the state and central reserve police force had also been deployed across the metropolis. Most offices were deserted from afternoon onwards. Traffic had been blocked on many major arteries and diverted to other routes to avoid the processions.

— nithin@khaleejtimes.com