Mumbai, Sep 1 (PTI) More than 40,000 idols of Lord Ganesh were immersed in the sea and other water bodies in Mumbai following the fifth day of the Ganpati festival, civic officials reported. No untoward incidents were reported during the immersion process, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The festival, which commenced on Ganesh Chaturthi (August 27), will conclude on Anant Chaturdashi (September 6). Many devotees choose to immerse idols after one-and-a-half days, as well as on the fifth and seventh days.
After the fifth day of festivities on Sunday, a total of 40,225 idols were immersed in the sea, other water bodies, and artificial ponds by 9 am Monday. These included 39,037 domestic Ganpati idols, 1,175 from public mandals, and 13 of the Goddess Hartalika.
On Friday, 60,177 one-and-a-half-day Ganpati idols were immersed in water bodies and artificial ponds. Of these, 29,683 idols were made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), while 30,494 were made from eco-friendly clay.
The civic body has prepared about 290 artificial ponds for Ganpati idol immersion, in addition to around 70 natural water bodies such as chowpatties, lakes, and seashores.
To promote environmental protection, the BMC has urged devotees to immerse their eco-friendly Ganpati idols in drums or buckets.
The PoP idols, if under six feet in height, must be immersed in artificial ponds.
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