The air in the region bears festivity and zest as this year's Ganesh Chaturthi moves to a colourful finish by Tuesday, when about 1,300 idols would be immersed in water bodies of the district.
This is a first of sorts in the entire western region spanning Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, Namakkal, Tiruppur, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris, as the number of idols that were immersed in the district in the last two days crossed the 1000 mark. Three hundred more idols of the elephant-headed God would be immersed into water bodies by Tuesday.
Idols were taken out in a procession through Krishnagiri, Hosur, Denkanikottai, Uthangarai and surrounding areas, and immersed in the water bodies allowed by the police. The processions passed through important thoroughfares .
People also immersed idols in Krishnagiri Reservoir Project in Krishnagiri, South Pennar River in Kaveripattinam, Arasampatti and Barur, Ariyakkal Eri near Maharajakadai, and Markandeya River in Veppanahalli.
The district administration has issued a warning that it would initiate legal action against those immersing idols made of plaster of paris and coloured /polished with paints, varnish, distemper or other chemicals in water sources during the celebrations. The police had made heavy security arrangements, and no untoward incidents were reported on Saturday and Sunday.
However, despite the warning, many in groups brought several idols made of plaster of paris and coloured/polished with paints for immersion.
Social activists say that eco-friendly practices while celebrating the festival could be brought about only by educating the public especially teenagers, who are now in the fore front of organising the Chathurthi festival in many parts of the towns and villages.
