Ganeshotsav begins in Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 27: The Ganeshotsav festivities in the city began today amidst religious fervour and enthusiasm with the ''arrival'' of the deity in households as well as public mandals.

There are more than 150 big 'Sarvajanik Mandals' in the city and its suburbs. These mandals will display the idols of Lord Ganesha for public viewing for 10 days and there upon immerse it while households and devotees would immerse the idol after one-and-half day or five days.

The idea of organising a 10-day Ganesha festival was mooted by Lokmanya Tilak during the colonial rule, feeling that people would flock together to celebrate the auspicious festival, which in turn would help inculcate the twin goals of nationalism and freedom from the English rule.

Initially, the celebrations were limited to Maharashtra. But with the passage of time, devotees spread the trend to other states within the country. Of late, Ganeshotsav is being organised in the Nepal, Great Britain and the United States, where a sizable population of devotees reside.

The city police is on high alert to avert any possible eventuality. For the first time, four 'Close Circuit Television'(CCTV) mobile vans have been deployed to keep a close vigil on the festivities.

According to Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Arup Patnaik, dog squads have been increased from five to 15 for larger surveillance. In addition, six companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), three companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and 12 companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have been pressed into service to assist the security arrangements.

However, the traffic remained normal and minimal with no major deviations or disruptions, said police sources said.

UNI