Karnataka - Hubli-Dharwad   

Large number of people watch Ganesh immersion procession

Staff Correspondent

It attracted many from surrounding villages also

HUBLI: There were barricades everywhere. Instead of their regular routes, people had to take roundabouts to reach their destination and at most places they were forced walk a few hundred metres to witness the grand finale.

Along with it was the apprehension of a communal disturbance. But all these hurdles didn't dampen their spirits as people came out in large numbers. There were a few thousands on the streets around Kittur Channamma Circle, Dajibanpet.

The immersion procession of Lord Ganesh that began late on Wednesday concluded by 8.30 a.m. on Thursday. It attracted people from surrounding villages of Hubli also. By 10 p.m. on Wednesday, they had reserved their seats on the steps of the commercial complexes, shops along the route of the procession.

Several households along the route of the procession had the privilege of watching it from their terrace and they also allowed others to join them to watch the colourful parade.

Slogans of "Ganapati Bappa Morya" and bursting of crackers filled the air as the procession of each Ganesh mandal passed by. Although a few Ganesh mandals had employed folk artistes and music bands, the foot-thumping music of the popular film numbers overshadowed them.

The procession, which began from Durgad Bail, passed through Broadway, Medar Oni, Dajibanpet, Kittur Channamma Circle and Basava Vana to conclude at the artificial well constructed by the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation adjacent to Indira Glass House.

Amid slogans praising Lord Ganesh, the idols were immersed in the artificial well.

According to the police, except for an incident of bursting of crackers next to a religious place near Bandiwad Base, which led to tension for a while, the event passed off peacefully.

Revenue Minister Jagadish Shettar inaugurated the immersion procession. Sri Gurusiddha Rajayogindra Swamiji of Moorusavir Math attended the function.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said there were plans to conduct cultural, literary and sports activities during Ganeshotsava on the lines of the Dasara celebrations in Mysore.

MP Pralhad Joshi and former MLA Ashok Katwe spoke.

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