Vinayaka Chathurthi celebrated in Pondy

Puducherry, Sep 15:Vinayaka Chathurthi was today celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm in Puducherry.

Special poojas were performed in all the temples here. A large number of devotees offered prayers at the famous Manakkula Vinayakar temple here. The presiding deity was adorned with American diamond studded crown and Angi before the temple opened at 0400 hrs and a special abishegam was performed with 27 items, including milk and flowers. The deity would later be taken out for a 'Veedhi Ula' (procession).

The Vinayaka Chathurthi Celebration Committee began the celebrations with the installation of a 21-ft-high idol of the Lord at Saram, near here, after performing Ganapathy homam. The festival would continue for nine days, after which over 100 clay idols of Lord Ganesh, installed at various places here, would be taken out in a procession and immersed in the Bay of Bengal.

Security arrangements have been beefed up for the festival.

UNI