It is that time of the year when the city gets into its most vibrant moods gearing up for a farewell to its most beloved Lord, Ganesha.
The fifth day immersions of Lord Ganesha took place in peace and cheer. Till 8pm, 8,842 idols were immersed, the police said.
It is that time of the year when the city gets into its most vibrant moods gearing up for a farewell to its most beloved Lord, Ganesha. The fifth day, although not as dramatic and vibrant as the Anant Chaturdashi, did display lot of emotion and cheer at the immersion sites.
Hoards of followers from practically every community chanted slogans from the place they live as they carried the lord to their closest visarjan spot.
Tradition marked the day: The idol was placed according to the direction for the aarti. Chandiramanis from Napean Sea Road had their own pandit. The devotees stood near idols with folded hands.
Gulal (red powder) was cheerfully thrown on people around while they chanted slogans like - ‘1,2,3,4 - Ganpati cha jaijaikar’. It was a joyous mood throughout.
A couple from Finland rearranged their schedule to witness the festival. They found it both strange and exciting. “Strange because it does not happen back home. Beautiful because there is so much music, colour and chanting that we never witness on such a scale,” said Tommi Laitios, from Finland.
A large number of youngsters enjoyed a dip in sea water as they immerse the lord. They spent time splashing water on each other till they spot a car. The cars are flanked by youth who carry the idol into the sea. Raju Pawar takes a special leave for this day. He said, “I enjoy taking the idol into the sea. I feel it is kind of a blessing and we also earn.”
The coast guards and life guards in boats kept a constant vigil to avoid any mishaps. Authorities have made arrangements for drinking water, toilets, collection of nirmalaya keeping in mind the heavy turnout.
A heavy police bandobast ensured any untoward incident. Sudhir Naik, deputy municipal commissioner, while talking to DNA,said, “No untoward incident or any missing report has been reported as of now.”
“We have 90 life guards, 2000 volunteers, 8 ambulance, around 100 boats (Navy, BMC and private),” said the additional municipal commissioner, Kishore Gajbhiye.
“372 iron plates were used in Girgaum Chopatty, Juhu, and Versova to help smooth vehicle movement on the beaches. The immersion took place at 59 spots. The authorities will clean the places tomorrow morning,” he concluded.
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