28 September,2023 09:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/CMO
Ganesh Visarjan 2023: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined in the festive spirit of Ganeshotsav by showering flowers on processions of Ganesh Visarjan in Mumbai on Thursday during the immersion ceremony at Girgaon Chowpatty on the auspicious occasion of Anant Chaturdashi.
As the entire area resonated with the chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya," Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis participated in the time-honored tradition of bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha.
The event was attended by several senior officials, including Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar, Tourism Minister Girish Mahajan, MP Sunil Tatkare, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal. The Suvasini, or married women who take part in the festivities, greeted the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and other dignitaries before arriving at the pavilion, where Commissioner Dr. Chahal extended a warm welcome with a bouquet.
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Devotees had gathered at Girgaon Chowpatty since the evening, marking the culmination of the ten-day Ganeshotsav festival. On Anant Chaturdashi, devotees bid a heartfelt farewell to Lord Ganesh.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had made elaborate arrangements for the immersion at various locations in Mumbai. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis participated in the ceremony by showering flowers on the Ganesha idols, symbolizing a send-off to Lord Ganarayas. The dignitaries also met with representatives from various countries' embassies who were present for the occasion.
During their visit, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister explored the special 'Ganesh Darshan' galleries set up by the Tourism Department as part of the International Ganesh Mahotsav. These galleries showcased the Ganesha Visarjan ceremony to tourists from both India and abroad. They interacted with foreign tourists who had come to experience this vibrant cultural celebration. Additionally, the dignitaries visited the police force pavilion, extending greetings to the devoted Ganesh enthusiasts gathered there.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), By 9 pm, a total of 20,195 idols had been immersed, comprising 18,772 household ones, 1,019 'sarvajanik' or public idols and 304 of goddess Gauri.
The civic body said that 7,381 of 20,195 idols were immersed in artificial ponds set up by the BMC in different parts of the city.
The 7,381 idols comprise 7,084 household idols, 204 'sarvajanik' ones and 93 of goddess Gauri, an official data said.
