Idol immersion passes off peacefully

Kurnool: The nine-day Vinayaka Chaturthi concluded here with the immersion of idols in Kurnool-Cuddapah (KC) Canal on Friday. Idols were taken out in a procession amidst thousands of spectators and devotees.

The concluding festival day proceedings started with MP Butta Renuka, Rajya Sabha member TG Venkatesh, Kurnool MLA SV Mohan Reddy, District Collector S Satyanarayana and Superintendent of Police Gopinath Jetty participating in a puja.

After the completion of puja under the tight security, the Lord Ganesha idol was taken on a Shobha Yatra in the city. The Shobha Yatra started from Rambotla temple, located in the old city to Vinayaka Ghat for immersion, followed by other idols. As the procession proceeded, the devotees chanted ‘Ganapathi Bappa Moriya.’

At Vinayaka Ghat, Deputy Chief Minister KE Krishnamurthy, MPs TG Venkatesh and Butta Renuka, MLAs SV Mohan Reddy and Gowru Charitha Reddy and others welcomed the Ganesha idol of Rambotla and offered prayers before immersing it.

Later, the immersion of other idols began from 3 pm and continued till late night. More than 2,000 idols were immersed. Around 2,500 police personnel were deployed for ensuring peaceful conduct of immersion of idols.

The district police heaved a sigh of relief as no untoward incidents reported. Cultural programmes arranged by Vinayaka Sadhana Samithi Committee at Vinayaka Ghat has enthralled the devotees and spectators. Prior to the procession, a Laddu of Lord Ganesha was put on auction at Rambotla temple. In the auction, several political leaders took part. Finally, TG Venkatesh won laddu for Rs 31,000.