Third-Day Ganesha Immersion Draws Huge Crowds
Nearly 30,000 idols were immersed in Kurnool alone as Ganesha immersions gained pace across Rayalaseema despite water shortages
Ganesha idol immersions picked up pace across Rayalaseema on Wednesday, with thousands of idols taken out in colourful processions on the third day of the festival. Nearly 30,000 idols, big and small, were taken out in processions in Kurnool city alone.
However, water shortage posed problems at several places, forcing devotees to use small ponds and check dams for immersion. Idols taller than five feet could not be fully submerged at some places. In Kamalapuram of Kadapa district, several idols remained partially above water after being immersed in the Kunderu river. Kha-jipeta resident C. Mukunda Reddy said such a situation had not been witnessed in the past 10 years.
The immersions gained momentum from around 11 am in Kurnool, with idols being immersed in the KC Canal. Irrigation officials released water into some canals, including the KC Canal, to facilitate the process. Nandyal district Collector G. Rajakumari said arrangements were made to ensure there was no shortage of water for immersion anywhere in the district.
In Kadapa district, devotees immersed idols in the Kundu river as well as tanks and ponds at several places. The rise in water levels in the Kunderu following heavy rain late on Tuesday night made the immersion process easier at some locations.
Despite police restrictions on DJs, loud music continued at several places. Processions featured traditional drums, DJs, kolatam performances and dances by youngsters.
Police maintained tight security at places where large crowds gathered. “We made security arrangements wherever there was a possibility of large gatherings and ensured that the immersion process passed off smoothly,” Kadapa SP Shelke Nachiket Vishwanath said.
Police said there were a few minor altercations at isolated places, but no major untoward incidents were reported.
Nandyal and Annamayya districts also witnessed the immersion of thousands of idols. In most villages of Annamayya district, immersions were held on Wednesday. “The immersion process was conducted smoothly without any disputes or major incidents anywhere in the district,” Annamayya SP Dheeraj Kunubilli said.
Several families also immersed clay Ganesh idols at home.
Officials estimated that nearly 70 per cent of the Ganesh idols in Rayalaseema were immersed on Wednesday. The remaining idols are likely to be immersed on Friday, the fifth day of the festival. Several schools also declared a holiday on Wednesday under the optional holiday provision, enabling students and families to participate in the festivities.