Mumbai: With the conclusion of Ganeshotsav, the process of farewell to Bappa was completed in Mumbai on Saturday. During the immersion of famous Ganpati idols like Lalbaugcha Raja and Chinchpokalicha Chintamani, a huge crowd of devotees was seen on the main roads and immersion sites of the city. The immersion processions, which started on the day of Anant Chaturdashi, continued throughout the night and continued till Saturday morning. Lakhs of devotees came to bid farewell to Bappa amidst an atmosphere of drums, cheers and devotion.
When was the immersion of Lalbaugcha Raja?
Lalbaugcha Raja, one of the most famous Ganpatis of Mumbai, was immersed in the Arabian Sea at around 10:50 am on Saturday morning. Before this, traditional puja and aarti were performed. After this the idol of Ganapati was placed on a big barge and taken to the sea. During this time a large number of devotees and local fishermen were present. A large number of people also gathered in Girgaum Chowpatty and surrounding areas to witness the farewell of Lalbaugcha Raja.
When was Chinchpokalicha Chintamani bid farewell?
The idol of Chinchpokalicha Chintamani was also immersed before Lalbaugcha Raja. According to the report, Chintamani was given farewell at around 10 am on Saturday morning. After this, the immersion of the Ballaleshwar idol of Bal Ganesh Mandal of Lalbagh took place at around 11 o’clock. The process of immersion of some big Ganpati idols continued at different places till Saturday afternoon.
How long did the immersion process last?
On the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi, Ganpati immersion processions had started in Mumbai from Friday morning itself. These processions continued throughout the night and till Saturday morning. According to reports, lakhs of devotees participated in the immersion program which lasted for more than 21 hours. The atmosphere remained completely devotional due to the crowd of devotees in many parts of the city.
How many soldiers were deployed for security?
In view of the arrival of such a large number of devotees, Mumbai Police and administration had made elaborate security arrangements. Apart from more than 24 thousand Mumbai Police personnel, about 25 thousand BMC employees were also deployed. Other arrangements including lifeguards, medical teams and heavy cranes were also placed at the immersion sites. Administration teams were present at 67 natural and 383 artificial lakes and other immersion sites in Mumbai.
What happened in Mumbai after immersion?
With the completion of Ganpati immersion, BMC started the work of cleaning the city. Sanitation workers were deployed at immersion sites and major routes of Ganpati procession. The administration’s focus is now on bringing the roads and coastal areas back to normal soon. Like every year, this time too Ganeshotsav in Mumbai ended with reverence, enthusiasm and an emotional farewell.
