SURAT: This year's Ganesh Utsav, a revered festival celebrated across the country, concluded on a grand scale in Surat as residents came together to immerse their beloved idols of Lord Ganesha.
In a bid to facilitate a swift and eco-friendly immersion process, the Surat Municipal Corporation had set up 20 artificial ponds throughout the city. These ponds were dedicated to the immersion of statues that measured up to five feet in height. A significant number of smaller statues were also observed this year, aiding in the faster completion of the immersion rituals.
Locals showcased their deep-rooted devotion and joy by bringing the revered idols to the artificial ponds using various means - from bikes and cars to carrying them on their heads. Following traditional puja ceremonies, the statues were immersed, with all 20 designated ponds completing the immersion process by nightfall.
However, the immersion journey extended into the early hours of Friday at Hazira, where idols from various parts of the city continued to be immersed until 9 am. Notably, around 80,000 idols found their resting place in Dumas, Hazira, and the aforementioned artificial ponds. The larger statues, which warranted immersion in the sea at Dumas and Hazira, presented a more time-consuming challenge. The weight and size of these grand idols necessitated the use of cranes, resulting in the immersion process extending until around 3 am.
A commendable effort was observed by the city police, who ensured a peaceful atmosphere for the immersion. Their meticulous planning prevented the accumulation of a large number of idols en route, a scenario that often led to long queues in previous years. This strategic decision to channel the idols towards Hazira was met with appreciation from the devotees, many of whom bid an emotional farewell to their beloved deity, praising the police for their dedication and support throughout the festival.
