Bengaluru witnessed the immersion of over 200,000 Ganesha idols across various water bodies on Saturday, according to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). This mass immersion is part of the annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, marking the culmination of the festival with grand rituals and cultural fervour.
The BBMP reported a total of 217,006 Ganesha idols immersed in both permanent and temporary temple ponds throughout the city. The highest number of immersions occurred in the BBMP’s South Zone, where 84,149 idols were ceremoniously submerged. This was followed by the West Zone with 52,429 idols, and the East Zone, which saw 40,791 idols immersed. The remaining immersions were distributed across other zones: Yelahanka recorded 14,094 idols, RR Nagar had 12,680, Mahadevapura 7,229, Bommanahalli 3,915, and Dasarahalli 1,719. These figures underscore the widespread participation and adherence to the traditional practices associated with Ganesh Chaturthi.
The immersion of Ganesha idols is a ritual symbolising the deity’s return to his celestial abode, bringing an end to the festival’s celebrations. The BBMP’s comprehensive reporting reflects the city’s robust engagement in this cultural practice and highlights the logistical scale of managing such a large number of immersions. The BBMP has been actively involved in managing and overseeing the immersion process to ensure it is conducted smoothly and in an environmentally responsible manner. Efforts include providing designated immersion sites and coordinating with various local bodies to manage the flow and disposal of the idols.
