Immersion processions of Ganesh idols begins in Pune

Immersion processions of Ganesh idols begins in Pune
Image source: Google

Pune: The immersion procession of Ganesh idols began amid heavy police deployment in Maharashtra's Pune city on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi, on Friday.

The procession of the one of the most revered Kasba Ganesh, one of the five Manache Ganpati who traditionally take precedence, started around 10 am with traditional dhol-tashas.

Adorned with flowers, the palanquin carrying the idol left the Kasba pandal, as devotees thronged to offer prayers and see their beloved deity off.

The processions of the other four Manache Ganpatis Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug and Kesriwada mandals also started with a lot of fanfare.

The 10-day festival was celebrated in a low-key manner due to the COVID-19 restrictions in the last two years.

More than 8,000 police personnel were deployed to patrol the streets during the immersions in the city.

Pune police commissioner Amitabh Gupta had earlier said that CCTVs have been installed at several spots in the city to monitor, while many roads will have traffic restrictions and diversions.

"Nearly 3,000 registered Ganesh pandals will conduct immersions. They will be allowed to play music only till midnight. All guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court will have to be followed strictly," Gupta had said.