Pune: Ganpati Immersion Procession Continues, Loudspeakers And Drums Exceed Sound Limit

Pune, 9th September 2022: The immersion procession, a glorious tradition, started as usual from Lokmanya Tilak Statue in Mandai today. On Thursday (September 8), after midnight, the mandals installed chariots prepared for the immersion ceremony on Laxmi road, Shivaji road, Kumthekar road, Bajirao road, Tilak road, and Kelkar road.

After midnight, roads in Sadashiv Peth, Narayan Peth, Shaniwar Peth, and Shukrawar Peth were closed for traffic. Bamboo barriers were erected. After the Manache mandals passed through the immersion path, the sound of loudspeakers started later in the evening. Many mandals had bright lights with loudspeakers. Youths were seen dancing in front of a wall of loudspeakers. High-powered loudspeakers were used by the troupe participating in the procession on Kumthekar Road and Bajirao Road.

The blaring sound of the loudspeakers disturbed the devotees watching the spectacle of the immersion procession. The sound of the dhol tasha teams had crossed the limit. Residents, along with devotees, were disturbed by the loud sounds. Laxmi road, Bajirao road, Kelkar road, Kumthekar road, and Tilak road were crowded after the evening. The attractive scenes were eye-catching due to the lighting scheme.

In the last two years, the immersion procession was not held due to the pandemic. Since there was no restriction on Ganeshotsav this year, most of the mandals on immersion routes used a high-capacity sound system.

Heavy police presence was deployed on the immersion route. Even walking on the immersion route became difficult due to the rush after the evening.