Karnataka - Shimoga   

Idol immersion procession passes off peacefully

By Our Special Correspondent

SHIMOGA, SEPT. 27. The Ganesha idol immersion procession of the Hindu Mahasanghatan passed off peacefully amidst unprecedented police security here on Monday.

The procession of the Ganesha idol installed at Sri Bheemeshwar Temple commenced around 10.30 a.m. after special pujas were offered to the idol.

Thousands of youths wearing saffron headbands with kumkum on their foreheads danced to the beat of drums while others waved saffron flags. Traditional drumbeaters from "Dollu Kunita" troupes lent a special touch to the procession.

More number of people participated in the procession compared to last year. The police had a tough time persuading those in the procession to keep moving, particularly in the narrow Gandhi Bazaar and at Ameer Ahmed Circle, which are considered communally sensitive.

Relief

The police heaved a sigh of relief once the procession passed through Gopi Circle. The idol was immersed in the Tunga behind the Bheemeshwar Temple after the procession carrying it passed through Ramanna Shresthi Park, Nehru Road, Jail Road, Kuvempu Road, Shivamurthy Circle, and Mahaveer Circle. Prominent leaders who led the procession included the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, D.H. Shankaramurthy; K.S. Eshwarappa, MLA; and S.N. Channabasappa, organising secretary of the Hindu Mahasanghatan. The District Magistrate, Tushar Girinath; the Superintendent of Police, K.H. Srinivasan; the Additional Superintendent of Police, D.C. Rajappa; and the Assistant Commissioner, J. Ravishankar, moved along with the procession until it passed through the sensitive areas. This year's immersion procession assumes significance as it was allowed to be taken out without any objection by the district administration.

Bhadravati

The Ganesha idol immersion procession here on Sunday organised by the Hindu Maha Sabha and the Hindu Rashtra Sena passed off peacefully. Prior to the start of the procession, B.K. Sangamesh, local MLA, offered puja to the idol. Muslims offered garlands to the Ganesha idol when the procession passed through C.N. Road.

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