Mumbai Gears Up for Grand Ganesh Visarjan with Enhanced Security Measures

Mumbai's Ganesh Visarjan: A Spectacular Farewell

On the final day of the ten-day Ganesh festival, over 25,000 police personnel will be deployed across Mumbai to ensure a smooth and safe immersion process. For the first time, the Mumbai police will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time traffic management and crowd monitoring to streamline the immersion process and prevent congestion on major routes.

Residents of Maharashtra bid farewell to Lord Ganesh, with immersion ceremonies commencing this morning in various parts of the state, including Mumbai. In Pune, thousands gathered to witness the famous procession that began in the Mandai area. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar performed the aarti, marking the start of the immersion journey. Known for showering volunteers with colored powder, the third revered Ganapati, Guruji Talim, participated in the procession.

A Stunning Scene of Mahavirsarjan in Mumbai

On Anant Chaturdashi, the last day of the Ganesh festival, people flocked to the streets amidst rain to immerse the idols of Lord Ganesh, accompanied by drums and vibrant colors. Officials reported that by 9 PM, over 18,000 Ganesh idols had been immersed in various water bodies across Mumbai. Many spectators were seen perched on road dividers, building rooftops, balconies, trees, and poles to catch a glimpse of the grand finale as the idols were transported to the city's beaches and other water bodies.

Over 18,000 Idols Immersed

Earlier in the day, colorful rangoli decorations adorned the streets. Light to moderate rain had been falling in some parts of the city since morning. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), by 9 PM, a total of 18,186 Ganesh idols had been immersed, including 1,058 from public mandals (local community groups) and 258 goddess idols, in natural water bodies and artificial ponds created by the municipal body.

A Thriving Crowd Despite Rain

The procession commenced in Lalbaug, renowned for its prestigious Ganesh mandals, featuring idols from Tejukaya, Ganesh Gully, and several others. A BMC official stated that there were no reports of any untoward incidents during the immersion process. Thousands of devotees danced, sang, and celebrated while bidding farewell to their beloved deity along the streets of Lalbaug and other major routes.

The Seva Sadan Mandal showcased an idol of Abhijaat Marathi for their procession, as Marathi was declared a classical language this year.

Major Processions Head Towards Beaches

After 1:30 PM, significant processions from Lalbaug, Parel, Kalachowki, and other areas of central Mumbai began their journey towards the beaches. In Pune, the immersion of the first Manacha (prestigious and revered) idol marked the start of Anant Chaturdashi. To maintain law and order during the immersion, over 21,000 police officers were deployed throughout the city.

Police on High Alert Amid Threats

An official reported that the city police were on high alert following a threatening message claiming that 14 terrorists had entered the city with 400 kilograms of RDX in 34 vehicles. Subsequently, police arrested a 50-year-old man from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly sending the threatening message. The crime branch apprehended Ashwinikumar Supra from his residence in Noida within 24 hours of receiving the threat.