Pune : HJS drive at immersion places under its movement for ‘Ideal Ganeshotsav’

Devotees inclined to immerse idols in flowing water as per ‘Dharma-shaastra’ : Turn their back to artificial water tank drive since it is against science

Pune : Volunteers of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and devotees undertook a drive at immersion places, like last year, under its ideal celebration of Ganesh festival movement. Restrictions are imposed only during Hindus’ religious rituals during their festivals by making noise against pollution. Municipal Corporation is promoting use of artificial water tanks and ammonium bicarbonate for immersion of idols. Devotees, who wanted to immerse idols after 1-1/2 day, had problems for immersing idols in flowing water since no facilities were provided for the same. They faced several obstacles; still it was observed that devotees were more inclined to immerse idols in flowing water. Most of the devotees immersed idols in river even at Chinchwad as there was enough water. HJS volunteers and Ganesh-devotees were standing with banners explaining science behind immersion of idols in flowing water. The drive was undertaken at Vruddheshwar – Siddheshwar ghat near Omkareshwar Mandir, Bhide bridge, S. M. Joshi Bridge and at Kakade Park, Valhekarwadi, Thergaon, Morya Gosavi ghat etc at Pimpri- Chinchwad.

Water released late from Khadakvasla Dam ?

It rained adequately with the grace of Shri Ganesh and water was going to be released from Khadakvasla Dam because it was full; but there was not sufficient water in river even after 6.00 p.m. Did municipal corporation purposely delay release of water ? Few devotees said that proper planning should have been done considering immersion time.

Response

1.One devotee was explained science for immersing idols in flowing water at Thergaon after which he immersed his idol in river instead of going to artificial water tank and gave ‘prasad’ to volunteers while leaving. He said HJS was doing good job and fed ‘prasad’ to volunteers as they were holding banners.

2. Many people were reading matter written on banners with curiosity.

3. Shri. Chougule Patil (rowing ferryboat) has been rowing ferryboats for many years as it is his family business of many generations. He said that there used to be many ferryboats earlier since many people used to immerse idols in river but his work was affected adversely due to government administration encouraging immersion in artificial water tanks. He has 3 boats; still police sometimes create obstacles and don’t allow immersion in flowing water. His family members row boat since it is their traditional business even now during Ganeshotsav period. Municipal Corporation and police were however, not doing right thing.

Chaotic management of Municipal Corporation

No facility was extended near S. M. Joshi Bridge for immersion of idols in river water. Therefore, Ganesh-devotees had to keep idols on the floor for performing ‘aarti’. No barricades were erected for security. Work related to erecting marquee and light arrangements was started only in the evening.

At Vruddheshwar- Siddheshwar ghat, the scene was totally different. The area was largely occupied by erecting so many bamboos that it became very difficult for devotees to immerse idols. Also, provision of municipal staff or ferryboat was hardly there for devotees to immerse idols in river.

Tin sheds and bamboos were thrown on the way, on road going towards river bank at Bhide Bridge and the road to river bank was also quite uneven and rough.

Four huge stones were kept on the bridge joining road to Vrudheshar- Siddheshwar ghats near Omkareshwar temple. Municipal staff was just sitting in marquee at Bhide Bridge; but they were not at all helping devotees for immersing idols in river.

Reactions by devotees immersing Shri Ganesh idols in river

1. Our idol was made of clay so there was no likelihood of water pollution.

2. We know what happens with idols immersed in artificial water tanks; therefore, we immerse idols in flowing water.

3. Petkar family had come to S. M. Joshi Bridge in traditional attire. They said that the Government did nothing to prevent pollution. Even if it does nothing, they would immerse idols in flowing water as per the science. They didn’t mind going far, if required, for immersion in flowing water. Their young son was insisting to immerse idol in water in a bucket but they explained the science to him.