Ongole, September 16, 2013: Hundreds of idols of Lord Ganesh were immersed in the sea off Kothapatnam in Prakasam district on Sundays on the seventh day of the Ganesh Navarathri festival.

Enthusiastic devotees applied colours on one another and danced on the streets to rhythmic drum beats as attractive idols of the elephant-headed god in different sizes and shapes, were taken on tractors and other vehicles in a procession. Sweets and other eatables were distributed to devotees on the occasion.

The revellers burst crackers and chanted ''Ganapathi Maharaj ki jai'' as the Lord for removal of all abstacles was given a warm send off with a prayer to return for the celebrations next year to bless them with health, wealth and prosperity.

Ganesh immersion celebrations were also organised in the sea off Voderavu, Ethimukula, Pakala and Ozhapalem and also in the Gundlakamma reservoir and Nagarjunasagar canals among other water bodies in the district following good rains this year.

Source: The Hindu, September 16, 2013