600-strong Police force led by Mandya SP keeps vigil; Schools, colleges closed as a precautionary measure

Nagamangala, Sept. 5 (VNS)- The grand procession of Ganesha idols, followed by immersion, organised by the Samuhika Ganapathi Samiti, was held peacefully at Nagamangala yesterday. The event began with special puja rituals at the Ganapathi Temple in T.B. Layout, after which prasadam was distributed to devotees.

Ganesha idols installed by various groups, including Badarikoppal Gajapade Yuvakara Balaga, Ganesh Gooli Boys, Pourakarmikara Colony, Karunada Vinayakara Balaga (K. Mallenahalli), Babruvahana Yuvakara Balaga, Sri Ramasene Yuvakara Balaga, Bheemasene Yuvakara Balaga, A.K. Colony, Team Kempegowda Geleyara Balaga (Saremegalakoppal) and Snehajeevi Geleyara Balaga (Upparahalli), were brought to the Temple premises.

The grand procession was flagged off from there, with thousands of devotees from Nagamangala and surrounding villages witnessing the colourful event. The procession passed through the main streets of town, including Mandya Circle and Market Road, before culminating at Arasana Kola, where the immersion ceremony was held.

Tight security arrangements

Given last year’s communal violence during the Ganesha procession, Mandya District Police made tight security arrangements to ensure a peaceful event. Around 600 Police personnel were deployed along the procession route.

CCTV cameras were installed at key points for surveillance and a holiday was declared for schools and colleges as a precautionary measure.

Mandya SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, Additional SP C.E. Thimmaiah, Nagamangala DySP B. Chaluvaraju, and CPI K.S. Niranjana personally oversaw the arrangements.

Last year, tensions had flared up during Ganesha procession, leading to clashes and clamping of prohibitory orders.