GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 7th Sept. The 10-day Ganesh festival kicked off in Maharashtra on Saturday, with idols of Lord Ganesh being installed in homes and public pandals across the state. Families, including children and the elderly, brought home idols early in the morning amid chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” and drum beats.
Idols were transported in autorickshaws, cars, and other vehicles, with traditional ‘dhol-tasha’ troupes accompanying the processions. Many mandals, which organize public celebrations, held grand processions to bring in the idols.
Markets were crowded as devotees purchased flowers, sweets, puja materials, and decorations. Politicians and Bollywood celebrities also joined in by installing idols in their homes.
In Mumbai, over 15,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure security during the festival. The city will witness celebrations at more than 2,500 Ganesh mandals and thousands of households. Famous mandals like Lalbaugcha Raja, Chinchpokli, Ganesh Gully, and the Matunga-based GSB Seva Mandal, known for its gold-adorned idol, are expected to draw lakhs of devotees.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde encouraged eco-friendly celebrations, emphasizing the state’s cultural heritage. He also urged devotees to assist the needy during the festivities.
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) warned citizens to stay cautious during idol immersions, as stingrays and jellyfish have been found in large numbers off the coast of Girgaon and Dadar.
The festival will see hundreds of idols immersed in the Arabian Sea, marking the conclusion of the celebrations.
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