Bengaluru:
Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm across the city on Wednesday, as thousands of devotees thronged temples and community pandals to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha. From early morning, long queues were seen outside prominent shrines, including the famous Dodda Ganapathi temple, where people carried flowers, coconuts and sweets to seek the deity’s blessings.
Elaborate security arrangements
To ensure smooth conduct of the festivities, Bengaluru Police made comprehensive security arrangements across the city. Commissioner of Police Seemant Kumar Singh said additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras had been installed at key points and integrated with the command centre along procession routes. Police officials at the centre monitored activities in real time to avoid any untoward incidents.
In addition, two companies of the Rapid Action Force were deployed to provide additional support to city police personnel during the peak celebrations.
Community celebrations and eco-friendly choices
Several residential localities and public spaces witnessed the installation of Ganesha idols, accompanied by cultural programmes and community feasts. Many families and organisers preferred eco-friendly idols this year, opting for colourless clay models instead of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols coated with chemical paints that are harmful to the environment and water bodies.
Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre had earlier directed civic bodies to strictly enforce the ban on the manufacture and sale of PoP-based idols of Ganesha and Gowri. Officials also carried out checks in the run-up to the festival to ensure compliance.
Traffic and immersion arrangements
With a large number of devotees expected to gather for the immersion of idols, particularly at historic lakes in the city, Bengaluru Police announced traffic regulations to minimise congestion.
At Yediyur Lake in Jayanagar, one of the major immersion sites, special traffic diversions were put in place to ease movement along Kanakapura Main Road. Similar measures were enforced at other lakes where immersion ceremonies are expected to draw large crowds.
Conclusion
As chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” echoed through the city, Bengaluru’s celebrations reflected both the religious fervour and a growing awareness of environmental responsibility. With cultural programmes, eco-friendly practices, and stringent security measures, the city marked Ganesh Chaturthi with devotion and discipline.