Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated with fervour and gaiety in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi on Monday with devotees thronging temples and community pandals across the city.

Several prominent temples witnessed large crowds, with devotees standing in long queues for darshan and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. The Sri Sampath Vinayagar Temple at Asilmetta, Bellam Vinayaka Temple at Kothajalaripeta and Thondam Vinayaka Temple at Lalitha Nagar in Akkayyapalem were among the shrines that attracted a large number of devotees.

Temples across the city conducted special pujas and abhishekams and distributed prasadam to devotees. Volunteers and temple organisers made arrangements to regulate queues and facilitate the movement of visitors amid the heavy turnout.

Community pandals in several neighbourhoods also drew devotees throughout the day. Special pujas and devotional programmes were organised at the pandals.

With the onset of evening, the celebrations gained momentum as temples and pandals were illuminated with decorative lights. Shops selling flowers, fruits, sweets and puja materials also witnessed increased activity.

Eco-friendly practices were a feature of the celebrations at several locations, with devotees and organisers opting for clay idols and measures aimed at reducing the environmental impact of idol immersion.