Deluge leaves devotees celebrating Ganesh Mahotsav disheartened

Flood situations in Punjab has disheartened devotees celebrating the Ganesh Mahotsav. Celebrations of the immersion of lord Ganesh idol, which used to be done with huge pomp and show, has now been toned down by devotees. Reason, the strictness by the district administration and deployment of policemen to prevent devotees from getting near points at Sutlej river where water current is strong and to prevent any mishap.

Due to floods in Sutlej we decided to avoid immersing the Lord Ganesh idol in natural water bodies this year. The water levels are quite high right now. It’s not safe to go near rivers. If something unfortunate happens, who will take responsibility? Instead, our group plans to immerse the idol in a large tub at Tuttiya Wala Mandir in the old city. Afterwards, the idol’s remains will be spread in flowerpots with sand.

Deepak Sharma, Yuva Jagriti Manch

Earlier, a large number of devotees used to carry Lord Ganesh idol for immersion. In the present situation, limited number of people are arriving at the Sutlej river to immerse idol.

Yesterday, some devotees carrying big idol of Lord Ganesh had reached the banks of Sutlej river where water current was very strong. A team of the Ladhowal police station led by SHO Inspector Gurshinder Kaur immediately reached the spot and turned back devotees from the banks. Some devotees alleged that the police used mild lathi charge on them and didn’t allow them to immerse idol.

Later, devotees took the idol at some other point where water current was not strong and performed the ritual of immersion in the river.

Deepak Sharma from Yuva Jagriti Manch, who helped organise the Ganpati Mahotsav at Hanuman Mandir in Daresi, said due to floods in river bodies like Sutlej they took decision to avoid immersing the idol in natural water bodies this year. “The water levels are quite high right now. It’s not safe to go near rivers. If something unfortunate were to happen, who would take responsibility?” he said. Instead, the group plans to immerse the idol in a large tub at Tuttiya Wala Mandir in the old city. Afterwards, the idol’s remains would be put in flowerpots with sand. Although they considered going to Doraha canal, the risk of mishap there was also a concern. Ultimately, everyone agreed on this decision, which was not only safer, but also more environmentally friendly.

Bedi from the Baba Ganpati Sewa Sangh expressed concerns over the current immersion arrangements. He maintained that, according to their religious beliefs, the immersion (visarjan) of Lord Ganesh idols should be done in a river or sea, not in concrete-lined canals. “The canal doesn’t allow proper immersion,” he said, pointing out that the idols don’t submerge fully due to solid base. He said that their idol was large and heavy, requiring a crane for immersion, which rules out any manual effort.

Bedi urged the authorities concerned to go beyond issuing instructions and actually provide the necessary facilities for idol immersion. He warned that many devotees might still head to canals, but if idols don’t submerge properly, it could be distressing. Once the water level recedes — some pictures would emerge that could hurt religious sentiments. He emphasised on the need for sensitivity and proper planning to avoid such situations.

Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner (DC) Himanshu Jain has appealed to devotees in the wake of the recent floods and considering the ongoing monsoon season. “The sacred festival of Ganesh Mahotsav is a time of devotion and celebrations. Traditionally, the immersion of Lord Ganesh’s idol (visarjan) in a water body is a significant ritual. However, this year, we are facing exceptional circumstances. The water level in the Sutlej river remains high. The river current is exceptionally strong and unpredictable due to recent heavy rainfall and upstream release of water. These conditions pose a severe and immediate threat to the safety of any individual attempting to approach the riverbank or perform immersion ritual. The powerful undercurrents can sweep away even strong swimmers, and the riverbanks are soft and unstable, creating a high risk of accidents and loss of life.”

“Therefore I earnestly appeal to every citizen, every family, and every Ganesh Utsav Samiti to refrain from immersing idols in the Sutlej river this year. Let us celebrate the festival with joy and responsibility. By choosing a safe alternative, you are not only protecting your own life, but also supporting the administration in its doing tis duty to ensure public safety and order,” the DC said.

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