Two individuals have drowned, and one person is currently missing in separate incidents that occurred during the Ganesh idol immersion ceremonies in the Wada taluka of Maharashtra’s Thane district, according to local authorities.
In the first incident, Jagat Narayan Mourya (38) and Suraj Prajapati (25) lost their lives during the idol immersion ritual in a lake at Konsai village on Wednesday night. Prompt response from firefighters and divers resulted in the recovery of their lifeless bodies, as confirmed by an official from the police control room.
Meanwhile, at Gorhe village within the same taluka, Prakash Thackeray (35) went missing during the immersion of Ganpati idols in a lake on Wednesday. Authorities have initiated a search operation to locate him, with hopes of a safe return.
Across Thane district, the conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh festival saw more than 43,000 Ganesh idols immersed in various water bodies, including 18 idols installed at public places, according to local authorities. In Thane city alone, a significant number of 11,910 Ganpati idols were immersed, as reported by Yasin Tadvi, chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the civic body.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Palghar district, an atmosphere of devotion and religious fervor enveloped the immersion ceremonies, with approximately 4,500 idols being bid farewell by enthusiastic devotees. As they made their way to the immersion sites, people joyously danced to traditional songs, the beats of drums, and uplifting music, expressing their affection and reverence for the beloved elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha.
The air resonated with the heartfelt chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (Lord Ganesha, come back soon next year), echoing the collective desire for the swift return of the deity in the following year’s festivities.