The Ganesh Chaturthi festival wrapped up on Tuesday with grand processions for the final immersion of Ganesh idols. Across the country, devotees carried their Ganpati idols to water bodies for the traditional visarjan (immersion). In Mumbai alone, over 7,500 idols were immersed in a single day, including 7,227 household idols, 300 community group idols, and about 50 Goddess Gauri idols.
To minimize pollution, Mumbai used 204 artificial ponds and 69 approved natural water bodies for immersions. The BMC aimed to reduce environmental impact by providing these eco-friendly alternatives. Notably, some families even chose unique methods for the occasion; one parade featured a Ganpati idol transported in a vintage Rolls-Royce.
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Safety was a top priority with 24,000 police officers, CCTV and drone surveillance, and 71 control rooms deployed to manage the large crowds. Lifeguards and speedboats were stationed near water bodies to prevent accidents.
However, the festival wasn't without its challenges. Tragically, eight men in Gujarat and one in Punjab drowned while immersing Ganesh idols. Authorities have urged people to exercise caution around water bodies during these events.
The festival also sparked political controversy this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Ganesh puja at the residence of Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, which drew criticism. In response, PM Modi defended the event, stating that some critics are simply seeking political gain.
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