Ongole, September 11, 2013: Vinayaka Chaviti , birthday of Lord Ganesha, has been celebrated with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm in Prakasam district.

Devotees vied with one another in putting Ganesh idols of different sizes and shapes at specially erected pandals on Monday as part of Ganesh Navarathri celebrations.

Young and old alike thronged the market centres and patiently waited for their turn to take home attractive idols of Lord Ganesha and also buy pooja material and fruits. The highlight of the celebrations in the district was that Samaikyandhra protagonists held special prayers to the Lord for removal of all obstacles, seeking divine help to thwart the state's division.

A variety of dishes, including the most-loved “Modakam'', were offered to the elephant-headed god.

Municipal Commissioner Ch.Vijayalakshmi took part in the celebrations organised in the Muncipal corporation, seeking health, wealth and prosperity of people.

A huge Ganesh idol was created with rice at the Dekshinam Bazaar, while a heaven-like situation was created at the Vinakaya temple at the Nellore busstand centre.

Members of the Volunteer Environment Organisation led by its chairman G.Veerabhadrachari distributed Ganesh idols made of clay free of cost.

More than 500 Ganesh idols of different sizes and shapes adored the pandals that sprang up at nook and corner of the town in connection with Ganesh Navaratri celebrations, which began on a spiritual note here .

The Sthambadri Utsava Samithi has distributed around 3,000 clay Ganesha idols to households in the town.

A few but impressive Ganesha idols made of natural material like clay have been installed at Mamillagudem and some other localities in the town.

Several devotees embraced Ganesh Deeksha at the famous Sri Vijaya Ganapathi temple in Gandhi Chowk here coinciding with Ganesh Navaratri festivities.

Source: The Hindu, September 11, 2013