As the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival comes to an end, Hyderabad is preparing for the grand Ganesh Visarjan on September 17, 2024. This year, there is a special focus on eco-friendly immersions, as the city is taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of the celebrations.
In 2024, Ganesh Visarjan will take place on Anant Chaturdashi, a day considered very auspicious for saying goodbye to Lord Ganesha. While the spiritual excitement is high, both officials and environmentalists are calling for more responsibility during the immersion process. They are encouraging the use of clay idols and natural materials to prevent pollution in water bodies, which has been a big concern in past years.
Authorities Call for Safe and Sustainable Immersions
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has set up special immersion points across various lakes and artificial ponds to help with the process. They have issued guidelines to make sure the immersions are done in an orderly and eco-friendly way. GHMC teams will also monitor the cleanliness of these locations after the immersions.
Officials have asked people to avoid using idols made from harmful materials like plaster of Paris, which can pollute the water. Instead, they are promoting biodegradable and eco-friendly idols. A senior GHMC official said, “This year, our goal is not only to celebrate the festival but to ensure that we protect the environment.”
Auspicious Timings for the Immersion
The most favorable time for Ganesh Visarjan is between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM on September 17, although devotees can immerse the idols throughout the day based on their convenience. Authorities expect large crowds at major immersion sites, such as Hussain Sagar Lake, where special arrangements are being made to manage traffic and the flow of devotees.
With growing awareness of environmental sustainability, this year’s Ganesh Visarjan is set to combine tradition with eco-friendly practices, ensuring a grand but responsible farewell to Lord Ganesha.
