Tiruchi, September 12, 2013: About 180 Vinayaka idols installed in public places in different parts of the city were taken out in processions and immersed in Cauvery on Wednesday, marking the culmination of the Vinayaka Chathurthi festivities.

Idols of various hues and sizes were taken out in ceremonial processions amid tight police security along specified routes to be immersed in the Cauvery from the bridge across the river, between Chinthamani and Mambazhasalai.

With water discharge from Mettur Reservoir being scaled down in view of the rains in the delta over the past few days, the flow in the river was just about enough for the immersion ceremony. Festive spirit prevailed on the bridge as the idols were immersed to beating of drums, devotional music, and chants. A crane was also made available to immerse large idols.

The city police authorities made elaborate security arrangements for the processions, deploying over 1,200 personnel. The police had also installed surveillance cameras at strategic locations to monitor the processions. Besides, the processions were also video recorded.

Traffic was suspended on the bridge for a few hours to facilitate smooth movement of processions and immersion. Elaborate traffic diversions to restrict heavy vehicles movement across the bridge was also in force.

About 380 Vinayaka idols installed at various places in the rural areas of the district, including Musiri, Manapparai, Puthanatham, Vaiyampatti and Thuraiyur, were also taken out in processions and immersed in various water bodies, police sources said. Over 2,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure peaceful conduct of the processions.

About 280 more idols in the rural areas of the district are scheduled to be immersed on September 13 and 15.

Source: The Hindu, September 12, 2013