Mumbai Immerses Over 23,000 Ganesh and Gauri Idols

More than 23,000 idols of Lord Ganesh and goddess Gauri were immersed in Mumbai's Arabian Sea and artificial ponds on the seventh day of the festival. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed the safe and uneventful proceedings. The annual Ganeshotsav festival will conclude with Anant Chaturdashi on September 17.

More than 23,000 idols of Lord Ganesh and goddess Gauri were immersed in Mumbai on the seventh day of the festival dedicated to the elephant-headed deity, civic officials said on Saturday.

A total of 23,586 idols were immersed in the Arabian Sea and artificial ponds in the city by 6 am on Saturday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials said. Of them, 21,177 idols were from households, 2,193 belonged to 'sarvajanik mandals' (community groups) and 216 of goddess Gauri, they said.

No untoward incident was reported anywhere during the immersion. During the 10-day festival, devotees usually bid an emotional farewell to the idols of their beloved deity after one-and-a-half days, five days, and six or seven days.

Ganeshotsav, which started with Ganesh Chaturthi on September 7, is one of the biggest festivals in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. The festivities will end with Anant Chaturdashi on September 17 this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)