Visakhapatnam has kicked off its grand Ganesha festival celebrations with the ceremonial immersion of its tallest and most iconic idols. Starting on Saturday, the city is set to immerse three monumental idols over the course of three days, concluding on Monday. These idols, representing deep devotion and cultural heritage, have drawn crowds of devotees and visitors from far and wide.
The first idol to be immersed was the awe-inspiring Jaggery Vinayaka, standing at an incredible 75 feet tall and crafted from 18 tons of jaggery. This massive idol had been the focal point of worship for 21 days, attracting thousands of devotees. Initially, organizers planned to distribute the jaggery to devotees as a sacred offering, but after concerns were raised by food safety officials about potential food poisoning risks, the decision was made to immerse the idol instead. The jaggery will be submerged in a river near Anakapalli, ensuring that no public health risks arise. Despite this, the festival’s highlight came when the massive laddu offered to the Jaggery Vinayaka was auctioned off for an astounding ₹14,30,000, marking one of the highest bids in the history of Visakhapatnam’s Ganesha festivals.
On Sunday, the festivities continue with the immersion of the Uchista Ganapati idol. This ritual is deeply symbolic and will involve spraying water and milk over the idol, a ceremonial farewell that signifies purity and devotion. Devotees will gather to witness this unique ritual, further adding to the cultural significance of the festival.
The celebrations will reach their grand finale on Monday, with the immersion of the Ayodhya-themed Ganesha idol. This final immersion will mark the conclusion of a vibrant and spiritually charged event that has united the city in worship, tradition, and festivity.
The Ganesha festival in Visakhapatnam is not only a showcase of artistic and devotional expressions but also a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. The event continues to draw massive crowds, all eager to be part of the immersion process and to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
As the city bids farewell to these majestic idols, the spirit of the festival lives on, celebrating the unity of faith, tradition, and community.
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