kurnool: Immersion of Ganesh idols were conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner here on Saturday, thanks to efforts of Ganesh Mahotsav Committe. Deputy Chief Minister K. E. Krishna Murthy and collector Vijay Mohan formally flagged off the immersion procession Shobha Yatra -at the Old Temple area, where the largest idol of Vinayaka has been installed, after performing special pujas.
The immersion procession winded through main roads and streets, including Old bus stand, Raj Vihar and Collectorate to its final destination Vinayaka Ghat at KC canal. Nearly 1,200 idols had been installed across Kurnool, with pujas performed for nine days. Thousands of devotees, irrespective of caste and creed, participated in the procession and shouted Jai Ganesh Mahraj, Ganapati Boppa Moria, Jai Ganesh and Jai Jai Ganesh, before bidding final adieu to Lord Vigneshwara.
Former minister T.G. Venkatesh and central minister Kotla Suryaprakash Reddy performed Jyothiprajwalana and Dwajarohana at Vinayaka Ghat before the immersion of statues in the KC canal. Meanwhile, lakhs of devotees thronged at Vinayaka Ghat at KC Canal to watch immersion of Ganesh idols. The corporation made special arrangements by fixing five cranes at Vinayaka Ghat.
Meanwhile, the Ganesh Utsav Committee, commercial establishments and trade unions, voluntarily arranged for food and water for the devotees, making their way to Vinayaka Ghat. Kurnool MP Butta Renuka, Kurnool MLA S. V. Mohan Reddy, Panyam MLA G. Charitha Reddy, MLC Sudhakar Babu, ZP chairman Rajasekhar, Ganesh Utsav committee president Kapileswaraiah, JC Kanna Babu, corporation commissioner P. V. V. S. Murthy and former MLA Rambhupal Reddy participated in the programme. SP Ravi Krishna made elaborate security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and orderly process.
The SP deputed nearly 1,500 police at sensitive and problematic areas to prevent untoward incidents. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister presented awards and certificates to students, who won in essay writing competitions, conducted by the Ganesh Utsav Committee.
