Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the 10-day long Ganeshotsav, was marked by grandeur, devotion, and mass Ganpati Visarjan at Ramkund and the Godavari ghats at Panchavati in Nashik albeit on a smaller scale.
Anant Chaturdashi – The Final Day of Ganeshotsav
Last year, I witnessed a breathtaking spectacle here – thousands of families bringing their household Ganpatis, the air filled with chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya, and the steps of Ramkund glowing under floodlights late into the night.
Ganpati Visarjan amid the flooded Godavari
But this year, the scene was quite different. Due to incessant rains over the past several days, the Godavari river was heavily flooded, submerging the very platforms and steps where devotees traditionally perform the final aarti and stand to bid farewell to Bappa.
The continuous rainfall and rising waters meant visibly fewer crowds, and the festive spirit, though still present, was more subdued.
Still, the essence of Ganpati Visarjan at Ramkund could be felt. Families carrying Ganpati idols braved the rains, performing symbolic immersions under the supervision of municipal staff.
Crowds, Devotion, and Municipal Arrangements
Floodlights illuminated the swollen Godavari, while Nashik Municipal Corporation had arranged a large stage on the ghat for safe idol collection and storage, in line with eco-friendly initiatives.
Despite official guidelines, some devotees were still seen directly immersing their idols in the sacred river, upholding their traditional practices.
The emotional core of Anant Chaturdashi remained strong. For devotees, this day marks not just the farewell of Ganpati Bappa but also the promise of his return the following year.
The chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” echoed through the drizzle, reminding everyone that the bond with Bappa is eternal.
Even though this year’s Ganpati Visarjan at Ramkund Nashik lacked the grandeur and massive gatherings of the past, the devotion of those who came – families, youth groups, and elderly alike – shone brightly against the grey monsoon backdrop.
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Mangal Murti Morya!
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Ganpati Visarjan Images
Here are some Ganpati Visarjan images from last year’s Ganeshotsav (Anant Chaturdashi 2024)
