Enthusiasm marks Ganesh idols immersion

The immersion of Lord Ganesh idols in the Krishna River at Seethamma Vari Padalu Ghat, downstream of the Prakasam Barrage, continued with devotion and enthusiasm on Sunday, the 9th day. The district administration had made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and safe process. Two large cranes were stationed at the ghat to lift and immerse the idols in the river’s waters, with staff from the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response and Fire Services overseeing the event to prevent any accidents.
A large number of small and medium-sized idols were brought to the river by devotees in tractors and other vehicles. After performing the necessary rituals and pujas, the idols were immersed in the waters. This year, the Krishna River had sufficient water inflow from the upstream reservoirs, and floodwaters were released from the Prakasam Barrage, facilitating the immersion process.
The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation deployed workers to clean the site, removing leaves, flowers, and other waste left behind during the immersion. Vinayaka Chaviti, celebrated on September 7, marked the start of the immersion process, but it was delayed due to heavy flood inflows in the Krishna River.
Now that the flood discharge from the Prakasam Barrage has decreased, district authorities permitted the immersion to proceed.
In addition to Seethamma Vari Padalu Ghat, idol immersions were also taking place in other parts of the district, including the upstream areas of the Prakasam Barrage and the mandals of Ibrahimpatnam, Kanchikacharla, Jaggayyapet, and Nandigama.
Coastal villages in Bandar and other mandals also saw large numbers of devotees participating in the immersion ritual. District officials had earlier inspected the ghat and issued guidelines to the Ganesh Committees to ensure compliance with safety regulations.