Mumbai: bidding farewell to Ganpati

Agencies

Mumbai, 12 September 2011: Ganesh Visarjan in Mumbai took a tragic turn on Sunday when a portion of an overcrowded balcony collapsed. One person died on the spot and about 5 people were seriously injured. The injured were immediately rushed to KEM hospital for treatment.

 

An eyewitness, recounting the incident, said, "We were standing right under it, when the balcony fell." However, the tragedy did not stop the celebrations as thousands of Ganesh idols made their way to the six major immersion points along the coast - Juhu, Girgaon Chowpatty, Versova, Malad Marwe, Powai and Dadar. These places were filled with hordes of worshipers chanting alongside massive Ganesh idols.

 

 

"The weather is very good its like being in Lonavala while we are doing visarjan at Chowpatty," said a devotee. Taking part in the festivities was an interesting group of worshipers who make this religious trip every year, all the way from Thailand. "We feel like Ganapati is really coming to town," said a member of the group.

 

With the shadow of terror attacks hanging over Delhi and Mumbai, the 45,000 strong police force deployed throughout the city was on its toes to ensure that everything went on smoothly, even as the jubilant celebrations will continue till the wee hours of the morning.