Heartfelt Farewell: Mumbai Bids Emotional Goodbye to Ganpati Bappa Amid Rains and Challenges, with Over 18,000 Idols Immersed
A vibrant sea of Ganesh devotees filled the streets of Mumbai on Saturday, September 6, 2025, bidding a heartfelt farewell to their beloved deity despite adverse weather and security concerns. The culmination of the 10-day Ganpati festival saw over 18,000 elephant-headed idols immersed in various water bodies throughout the city, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials. Remarkably, no incidents were reported during the immersion, assuring the safety of the thousands of enthusiastic participants.
As the festivities unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with energy, characterized by the rhythmic beats of ‘dhol-tasha’ and clouds of ‘gulal,’ a traditional celebratory powder. With chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, pudhachya varshi lavkar ya” resonating through the air, devotees expressed their fervent hopes for the deity’s swift return next year. Although the immersion of larger idols began post-3 p.m., many processions were seen making their way to Chowpatty beach starting around 6 p.m. Civic officials noted that large crowds gathered at key locations to witness this significant procession.
In central Mumbai, the Lalbaug area, renowned for hosting some of the most iconic Ganapati mandals, kicked off the processions with tradition and vibrancy. Along the streets of Lalbaug and other nearby routes, thousands of devotees gathered, ready to bid farewell to their favorite idols amid music and dance. Key mandals such as Lalbaugcha Raja and Mumbaicha Raja drew considerable crowds, making their slow journey to immersion points, where they were met with prayers and cheers.
Earlier on the last day of the festival, colorful ‘rangolis’ adorned the streets, adding to the festive spirit even as intermittent showers fell through the city. According to the BMC, by 9 p.m., a total of 18,186 Ganapati idols had been immersed, comprising 1,058 from local community groups and 258 of Goddess idols. The joyous spectacle attracted strong attendance, with residents finding vantage points on road dividers, building terraces, and even trees.
The procession of Lalbaugcha Raja, marked by a unique flower shower (pushpa vrishti) around 5:30 p.m., included a striking display with a replica of a Rafale aircraft. This popular mandal’s procession eventually reached the Khatau Mill area in Byculla, steadily progressing toward Girgaon Chowpatty, anticipated to arrive on the morning of September 7.
Unfortunately, the festivities took place against a backdrop of heightened security due to a bomb threat that had rattled city police earlier in the week. A concerning message claimed that 14 terrorists had entered the city, allegedly armed with 400 kg of explosives planted in various vehicles. However, swift action by the police led to the apprehension of Ashwinikumar Supra, a 50-year-old man from Noida, accused of sending the threat message through a traffic police helpline.
In light of the celebrations, around 21,000 police personnel were deployed across the city to manage law and order during the idol immersions, with transportation routes adjusted to accommodate the large gatherings. Despite the challenges, the spirit of devotion and community unity prevailed, culminating in an unforgettable Ganpati immersion experience in Mumbai.
As anticipated, celebrations concluded with a resounding promise of return, encapsulating the deep devotion of millions of Mumbaikars.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/mumbai-bids-grand-farewell-to-ganpati-bappa-amid-rains-bomb-threat-over-18000-idols-immersed/article70020631.ece
Category : Mumbai
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Publish Date: 2025-09-07 02:36:00
