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Ganesh
Chaturthi ends with idol immersion
Mumbai:
The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival came to an
end with thousands of devotees participating in the
immersion ceremony of the idols of Lord Ganesha today.
In Mumbai, thousands of people crowded the streets
to see their beloved god being immersed amidst beating
of drums. Men and women danced as they paid their
respects to the god seeking his blessings. "I live
at Meera road and have come with my entire family
to Lalbagh today to offer obeisance to him. Whatever
you ask him for; your wish is always fulfilled. We
come here with a lot of faith and conviction," said
Ashok Laxman Rao, a devotee. Several huge and small
idols, which were worshipped over 10 days after their
installation at homes and mandapas (pendals), were
taken out in the procession. Sweety, a devotee, said:
"Everyone is filled with happiness by the arrival
of Ganpati. It reunites people." In Pune, devotees
thronged streets, dancing and singing as they joined
the procession. "Ever since the start of the festival
all the citizens of Pune have supported these celebrations
with fervour. Everyone is hoping that the manner in
which Lord Ganesha has brought good luck and prosperity
to people, he should do so in future also," said Ajit
Powar, the organiser of a procession. The festival
marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, signifying
good omen and prosperity. Earlier, Ganesh Chaturthi
used to be a personal or private affair, celebrated
at homes. But at the turn of the century, Lokmanya
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a fighter for freedom from British
rule, converted it into a public event. The festival
is hugely popular in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
Gujarat and Maharashtra.
- September 25, 2007
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