Nellore Readies for Vinayaka Chaturthi Immersion at Ganesh Ghat

As the moon rises on September 12, the banks of Ganesh Ghat in Nellore are set to come alive with the rhythmic splash of water and the scent of incense. The city’s traditional immersion point, nestled beside the Sri Irukalala Parameswari Ammavaru temple – revered as Nellore’s folk goddess – is being spruced up for the climactic finale of Vinayaka Chaturthi.

Officials say the water body is spacious enough to welcome Ganesh idols not just from the city and the Nellore Rural constituency, but also from the neighboring assembly segments of Kovur and Sarvepalli. That means a sea of devotees, families, and colorful processions will gather here, each hoping to bid a fond farewell to the beloved elephant‑headed deity.

On Tuesday, TDP state spokesperson Kotamreddy Giridhar Reddy, who also sits on the Vikrama Simhapuri Ganesh Festival Committee, took a close‑up look at the preparations. Accompanying him was former mayor N. Bhanusri, both walking the length of the ghat, checking the safety barriers, lighting, and the newly‑installed floatation aids for the idols.

“We want everything to be perfect, and we invite everyone to join the immersion with devotion and respect,” Reddy urged the gathering crowd, his voice echoing over the hum of volunteers setting up makeshift stages and food stalls.

The atmosphere is a blend of anticipation and nostalgia. Kids chatter about the sweets they’ll receive, elders reminisce about past immersions, and a few stray dogs wag their tails, sensing the excitement. The organisers, meanwhile, are juggling logistics – from managing traffic on adjoining roads to ensuring proper waste disposal after the festivities.

With the city’s cultural heartbeat pulsing at the ghat, the evening promises a vivid tableau of devotion, music, and the gentle roar of waves as the idols sink beneath the surface, marking the end of the ten‑day Ganesh festival.