Continuous rain disrupted Ganeshotsav preparations in Thane on Sunday, with waterlogging reported on city roads, traffic congestion affecting key routes and decoration work delayed at several mandals ahead of the festival’s start on Monday, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane.
Rain began in the early hours and continued intermittently through the day across Thane district. The showers affected outdoor preparations, including the installation of decorative lighting, entrance arches and other structures outside Ganesh mandals. Several mandals had planned to complete this work on Sunday, but workers were forced to slow down or stop activities at some locations because of the weather.
Thane city recorded 18.54 millimetres of rain between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm, the report said. Water accumulated at the Majiwada-Kapurbawdi junction, while incidents involving uprooted trees were also reported in some parts of the city. The combination of standing water and rainfall affected traffic movement during a day when residents were travelling for festival-related shopping and preparations.
Traffic congestion was reported on the Eastern Express Highway, the Mumbra bypass and the Shilphata area. These corridors carry a substantial volume of daily traffic and also connect Thane with adjoining parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The report did not provide details of the duration of the congestion or identify any road closures.
The rain also affected residents shopping for materials needed to decorate household Ganesh idols. With Ganeshotsav scheduled to begin on Monday, markets saw residents purchasing decoration items on Sunday. The showers made movement and shopping more difficult, particularly for people carrying materials through areas affected by waterlogging.
The disruption highlights the operational pressure placed on roads, junctions and public spaces when heavy or persistent rain coincides with a major festival period. Outdoor mandap decoration, electrical installations and movement around markets all depend on access to roads and pedestrian areas that can become difficult to use when drainage is inadequate or traffic slows.
The Thane district report attributed the account to the Loksatta – Thane report and quoted Sameer Sawant of the Thane District Ganeshotsav Coordination Organisation as saying that several mandals still had external decoration work pending. The organisation said rain had interrupted the planned work and created difficulties for volunteers.
No further details were provided in the report on municipal pumping operations, tree-clearance measures, traffic diversion plans or the status of the affected roads. The immediate next milestone is the start of Ganeshotsav on Monday, when authorities and festival organisers will have to manage movement, installations and public activity amid the continuing weather conditions.
