Madikeri: Preparations are complete for Friday’s mass immersion of Ganesha idols at Gowri Kere, a centuries-old groundwater source for the town and venue for religious festivals. Processions featuring Gowri and Ganesha idols from various committees will pass through Virajpet’s main streets on Friday night before culminating in the wee hours of Saturday.Following a decades-old tradition, the festival idol from Ganapathi Temple will be immersed first, followed by the Gowri-Ganesha idol from Basaveshwara Temple. Idols from the remaining committees will then be immersed in sequence.Gowri Kere has been renovated at a cost of approximately Rs 1.3 crore on the initiative of AS Ponnanna, Virajpet MLA and political secretary to the chief minister. With thousands of devotees expected, Virajpet Town Municipal Council has filled potholes along the main procession routes and carried out sanitation and cleanliness drives around the lake.A well-equipped raft system has been arranged for safe idol immersion. High-mast and decorative lights have been installed around the lake and along the procession route, while street lights have been repaired.CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations and around the lake as part of security measures.SP RN Bindu Mani appealed to the public and organisers to maintain peace and harmony and cooperate with the police.
