Lucknow: With moist eyes, folded hands and heavy hearts, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha at the Lucknow Ke Maharaja pandal in Paper Mill Colony, as Ganeshotsav celebrations concluded with immersion of the idol at Jhulelal Vatika on Thursday.Devotees gathered in large numbers for the concluding pujaand aarti before Bappa began his final journey for visarjan. Many stood silently before the idol, whispering their wishes and prayers, hoping the elephant-headed deity would bless them and return next year with renewed joy and prosperity.Meena Sharma (10) stood near the idol with folded hands and softly wished for “first rank in my class.”Radhika Nanda sought blessings for a govt job, saying she had complete faith Bappa would guide her path. Paritosh Mishra’s wish was deeply personal as he prayed for speedy recovery of his wife, who is recuperating after an accident.As the final aarti was performed, the atmosphere turned both festive and sombre. Devotees raised chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” and “Agle baras tu jaldi aa”. Amid devotion, celebration and sadness, Bappa slowly disappeared into the waters.As the final aarti was performed, the atmosphere turned both festive and sombre. Devotees raised chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” and “Agle baras tu jaldi aa”. Amid devotion, celebration and sadness, Bappa slowly disappeared into the waters.
