HJS effect: Considerable decrease in immersion of Ganesh idols at artificial water tanks

Mumbai: In the year 2010, 500 idols of Sri Ganesh including 11 of public Ganesh Committees and 489 individual idols were immersed in artificial water tank erected at Pestom Sagar, Chembur as per the information given in the booklet published by Suburban Mumbai Municipal Corporation viz. ‘Bruhan-Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Ganeshotsava Mahiti Pustika 2011’.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) had taken permission from Tilaknagar Police Station and this year, first time undertook a drive to create awareness among people towards immersion of idols in flowing water as per Dharmashastra. As a result, only 11 idols were immersed in the artificial water tank on the 5th day of the festival and 9 idols on the day Anant Chaturdashi i.e. in all 20 idols were immersed in artificial water tank this year.  As per the circular issued by Municipal Corporation, it had increased the number of artificial water tanks to 22 and had claimed that the response received to immersion of idols in these tanks was double than the last year. It was, however, observed that due to the awareness created by HJS and grace of Sri Ganesh, there was considerable decrease in immersions at artificial water tanks.

It is very unfortunate that Municipal Corporation spends crores of rupees on erecting artificial water tanks under the guise of prevention of pollution and encourages un-scientific immersion of idols which is against ‘Dharma-shastra’. It has been observed that idols immersed in such manner are later found in denigrated state. On 11th September, Sunday, a drive was undertaken by HJS to create awareness, in lawful manner, among people about immersion of idols by distributing pamphlets and by putting up boards between 4.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. at Ghatkopar.  

Police laud HJS drive !

Policemen and officers on duty at various places lauded the drive undertaken by HJS.

Good response by Ganesh devotees

In all 8 idols were brought for immersion in the evening between 4.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. Two out of them decided against immersing them in artificial water tanks after listening to guidance by HJS members. (Congratulations to those who immediately implemented the science after explained to them ! – Editor SP) Rest 6 assured that next year, they would not immerse idols in artificial water tanks.    

Source: Daily Sanatan Prabhat