Devotees opting for water drumsfor Lord Ganesha idol immersion

Prayagraj: The concept of immersing Ganesha idols in artificial ponds or water drums or domestic water container is progressively catching up people’s fancy. Disciples do the visarjan of idols on the day they conclude their puja. Many of devotees do it after one-and-a half days, three days, five days, seven days or eleven days.
Residents of many city based residential colonies and apartments this year, have initiated novel efforts to immerse the idols of Lord Ganesha into mini mobile water bodies (water drums) in order to spread the message of protecting the environment. On Sunday, a group of devotees led by Chhama Chopra performed immersion of idol of Lord Ganesha in water drum on the roof of the building amidst chanting bhajan and mantra at Awas Vikas Juhi colony. Devotees also played with gulal and abir. The event was attended by many visitors and devotees across city who appreciated the efforts of Chhama Chopra and her family members to immerse idol of Lord Ganesha into domestic water container.
Chhama says, “People should understand their responsibility toward environment protection and such small steps will surely help us to protect our environment”. Similarly, Mutthiganj resident Madhu Kesarwani also performed immersion of Lord Ganesha at her home amidst chanting of keertan.
This year,however, saw many alert devotees immersing clay idols in artificial tanks and water containers,” said environment expert Ajay Krantikari adding “There is an urgent need to create mass awareness among people for environment protection and all small efforts will surely yield the result” he added.
District authorities had introduced the concept of eco-friendly immersion by installing artificial ponds and prevent pollution of rivers about 10 years back. The concept was floated following strong demand from green activists warning serious damage to rivers and city’s water bodies due to immersion of idols in it.
This year the response to immersion of Lord Ganesha idols in artificial tanks or domestic water containers have been really good as compared to previous years. City residents are gradually accepting the concept.