'Ganesh Chaturthi' celebrations in Puducherry

Puducherry, Sep 3: 'Vinayaka Chaturthi' was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in Puducherry with special poojas being performed in all the temples in the Union Territory today.

A large number of devotees thronged the famous Manakkula Vinayagar temple when it was opened at 0400 hrs for 'darshan'.

The presiding deity was adorned with diamond studded crown and 'kavasam', made up of gold weighing 9 kg. A special 'abhishekam' with 27 items was performed. The deity would be taken out for a 'Veedhi Ula' (procession) later.

The celebration committee had installed a 21-feet Ganesh idol at Saram, near here, after a 'Ganapathi Homam.' The festival would continue for five days, following which over 100 clay idols of the Lord, installed at various places here, would be taken out in a procession and immersed in the Bay of Bengal.

Security arrangements were beefed up for peaceful conduct of the festival.

UNI