Mega immersion ritual today

As many as 72 Vinayaga idols were immersed in the Bay of Bengal at Neelankarai, Kasimedu and Srinivasapuram as the week-long programme to dip the deities belonging to various organisations kicked off on Saturday.

Twenty nine idols were immersed at Neelankarai, while 30 at Kasimedu and 13 at Srinivasapuram. Around 2,000 police personnel were deployed to maintain security. No violence was reported during the procession or immersion.

Traffic remained smooth since city Police Commissioner S George had given strict instructions not to divert traffic and regulate the movement of vehicles as is done during VIP visits.

However, things may not be the same on Sunday when as many as 500 idols will be immersed under the watch of 12,000 police personnel.

Traffic will be diverted in the evening on the roads leading to fishing harbours in Neelankarai, Kasimedu and Srinivasapuram.

Hindu Munnani local units, which account for almost 75 per cent of the organisations permitted to immerse idols, will be given extra protection considering the sensitive routes taken.

“We have taken all measures to prevent any anti-social element from sabotaging the celebrations,” a police official said.

Processions on routes that touch the Big Mosque in Triplicane, Kodambakkam Mosque, Pulianthope Mosque and Periamet Hajj Committee Mosque have been given extra security.