Virajpet: Four people were injured after they reportedly suffered electric shocks during a Gowri-Ganesha idol procession in Virajpet of Kodagu district, Karnataka. The incident occurred as devotees and organisers were taking part in the annual procession ahead of the immersion of idols.

The incident has raised concerns over electrical safety during religious processions, particularly when large idols, vehicles, decorative structures and lighting arrangements are moved through town streets.

Four people injured in the incident

According to the report, four people came in contact with electricity during the Gowri-Ganesha procession in Virajpet. They sustained injuries and were taken for medical treatment following the incident.

Further details regarding the exact nature of their injuries and their current condition were not immediately available in the initial report.

The incident took place amid preparations for the mass immersion of Gowri and Ganesha idols at Gowri Kere, a traditional immersion venue in Virajpet. The town witnesses large-scale celebrations during the festival, with several committees participating in the procession.

Ganesha immersion procession in Virajpet

Virajpet’s Gowri-Ganesha celebrations traditionally culminate in a mass immersion programme at Gowri Kere. Processions carrying idols from different parts of the town pass through the main streets before reaching the lake.

Preparations for the 2026 immersion had been completed ahead of the procession. Authorities had undertaken road and sanitation works along the routes, while additional lighting and security arrangements were also made around Gowri Kere.

A raft system was reportedly arranged to facilitate the safe immersion of idols. High-mast and decorative lights were installed around the lake and along the procession route, while damaged streetlights were repaired.

CCTV cameras were also installed at important locations and around the lake as part of the security arrangements. Police had appealed to devotees and organisers to cooperate with authorities and maintain peace during the celebrations.

Electrical safety during processions

The incident highlights the importance of taking precautions around electrical infrastructure during large religious processions.

Processions often involve decorated vehicles, large idols, music systems and temporary lighting arrangements. Overhead power lines can pose a significant risk when tall structures or decorations are transported through narrow roads.

Electricity authorities have previously advised festival organisers to exercise caution while installing decorative lights and temporary electrical connections. Organisers have also been advised not to attach tents, decorations or other structures to electric poles, wires or transformer installations and to take precautions around overhead power lines.

During processions, organisers are expected to coordinate with electricity officials and provide information about the route so that necessary safety measures can be taken.

Large-scale celebrations in Virajpet

Gowri-Ganesha celebrations are a major annual event in Virajpet. The town has a long tradition of organising a large immersion procession involving multiple Ganesha committees.

In previous years, the procession has drawn thousands of devotees and continued for several hours. The town has also imposed traffic restrictions during the event to facilitate the movement of idols and decorated vehicles.

The mass immersion at Gowri Kere is conducted in a sequence, with idols from different temples and committees immersed according to the established tradition.

The latest incident has brought attention to the need for strict monitoring of electrical wires and temporary installations along procession routes. While preparations had included lighting, road repairs, CCTV surveillance and other arrangements, electrical safety remains an important part of managing large public gatherings.

Authorities focus on safe celebrations

The four injuries reported during the procession underline the importance of coordination between organisers, police, civic authorities and electricity officials during major festivals.

As large numbers of devotees gather for idol processions and immersion ceremonies, organisers need to remain alert to potential hazards, including overhead electrical lines, temporary wiring, traffic movement and crowd management.

The incident in Virajpet comes amid wider concerns over electrical accidents during Ganesha processions in Karnataka. In 2025, a 21-year-old man died and two others suffered severe burns after coming into contact with a live wire during a Ganesha immersion procession in Vijayapura.

Conclusion

The Virajpet incident has resulted in injuries to four people during the Gowri-Ganesha procession. With large crowds expected during the immersion festivities, ensuring electrical and crowd safety remains crucial for preventing further accidents.