Immersed Ganesh idols float in sea, cleaning of shores ordered

PANAJI: Goa Tourism Department on Wednesday directed immediate cleaning of sea shores after a number of Ganesh idols immersed in sea by devotees washed ashore.

Hundreds of idols were immersed at various inland water bodies and at sea shores last night by those devotees who celebrate the Ganesh festival for two days.

The number of immersions will go up in coming days on conclusion of five days, when most of the devotees bid adieu to their beloved deity.


"Several Lord Ganesh idols were seen floating on various sea shores, including Miramar, due to which the department has asked the beach cleaning contractors to clean up the shores as soon as possible," said Tourism minister Dilip Parulekar.

He said contractors have been instructed to keep the shores clean, as "seeing a defaced idol could hurt religious sentiments."

While those idols made from clay dissolved immediately in water, those made from plaster of paris (PoP) often wash back to shores.

State Environment Ministry had formed a group of law enforcement agencies to put a tab on bringing PoP idols to the coastal state.

With almost 70 per cent Hindu population, the Ganesh festival is celebrated with enthusiasm in Goa.