Aurangabad's Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, marking its 99th year, is set to conclude with grand immersion processions today. Notable processions include the towering 21-feet Pawan Ganesh idol, Bal Kanhaiya Ganesh Mandal, Navsvarvajanik Ganesh Mandal, Raja Ganesh Mandal, and Kasari Ganesh Mandal.
The city's apex organization of all Ganesh Mandals, 'Shri Ganesh Sangha,' established in 1924, evolved into 'Ganesh Mahasangh' in the 1980s. Today, Ganeshotsav is celebrated under the Ganesh Mahasangh Utsav Samiti banner.
The main immersion procession will commence with aarti by people's representatives at 10.30 am, starting from Rajabazar. The Ganesh Mahasang Utsav Samiti's Ganpati vehicle will follow the Sansthan Ganpati procession.
At 12 pm, the New Aurangabad Ganesh Mahasangh will perform aarti at Gajanan Maharaj temple chowk, initiating their immersion procession. Cidco-Hudco All Party Ganesh Mahasangh's procession will begin at Cidco N-6 Avishkar colony chowk at 12.30 pm.
Chawni Ganesh Mahasangh's Shri Murthy immersion procession is scheduled for Friday at 6 pm, with arrangements made for idol immersion near Holy Cross English School's public well.
Devotees are geared up to bid farewell to Lord Ganesh as immersion processions kick off today at 11 am. The traditional Aarti of Rajabazar Sansthan Ganpati will commence at 11 am, followed by the procession. To ensure smooth proceedings, authorities will close 17 city roads to general traffic.
Route Highlights:
- Rajabazar Sansthan Ganpati procession to pass through Barabhai Tajiya, Balwant Vachnalaya, S B College, ending at Zilla Parishad Ground.
- City Chowk to June Bazar to Bhadkal Gate route off-limits.
- Jinsi Chowk to Sansthan Ganpati, Mondha Jafar Gate to Rajabazar affected.
- Nizamoddin Dargh, Nizamoddin Chowk to Shahgunj Chaman route closed.
- City Chowk, Gulmandi, Barabhai Tajiya, Gomtesh Market to Paithan Gate diverted.
- Budhilane, Old Tehsil Office, Juna Bazar to Barudgar Nala route affected.
- Sillekhana Chowk, Paithan Gate, Rangar Galli, City Chowk disrupted.
- Savarkar Chowk, M P Law College, Mahatma Phule Statue Chowk routes changed.
Changes in Cidco and Garkheda routes include diversions at Chistiya Chowk, Avishkar Chowk, Bajrang Chowk, Baliram Patil School Chowk, TV Centre Chowk to N-12 Swarg Hotel, Chandni Chowk to District Collectorate to TV Centre Chowk, N-1 Chowk to Chistiya Chowk, Central Naka to Chistiya Chowk to Bajrang Chowk, Seven Hills to Shivajinagar, and Trimurti Chowk to Gajanan Mandir. Plan your travel accordingly.
Stringent Security for Ganesh Immersion
Ahead of the Ganesh immersion ceremony, the city is deploying a robust security presence. With 226 officers, around 3,000 policemen, and additional forces, including CRPF and SRPF units, the authorities are leaving no room for security lapses. Five drone cameras will monitor the city, and numerous police personnel will be stationed at fixed points. CP Manoj Lohiya emphasized the need for residents to celebrate in a joyful atmosphere, accompanied by police constables for each procession. He urged citizens to dismiss rumors, maintain peace, and contact the police in emergencies.