Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Third-Day Ganesha Immersions Draw Huge Rayalaseema Crowds
People across Rayalaseema carried many Ganesha idols in colourful processions on the festival’s third day.
Kurnool city alone had nearly 30,000 idols in processions.
Some places did not have enough water for the idols.
Devotees used rivers, canals, ponds, tanks and check dams instead.
Some idols taller than five feet could not be fully covered by water.
Officials released water into some canals to help with immersions.
Police watched crowded areas and reported no major incidents.
Music, drums, dances and kolatam performances were part of many processions.
Most of the idols were immersed Wednesday, while the remaining ones are expected to be immersed Friday.
Nearly 30,000 Ganesha idols were taken in processions in Kurnool city alone.
Water shortages forced some devotees to use ponds, tanks and check dams for immersion.
Officials released canal water in some areas, while police maintained security at crowded locations.
Traditional drums, DJs, kolatam performances and dances accompanied many processions despite DJ restrictions.
Officials estimated that about 70 per cent of Rayalaseema’s idols were immersed on Wednesday, with the rest expected Friday.
- Who
- Devotees, families, officials and police across Rayalaseema participated in or managed the immersions.
- What
- Thousands of Ganesha idols were carried in processions and immersed on the festival’s third day.
- When
- Wednesday, the third day of the festival; remaining immersions are expected on Friday, the fifth day.
- Where
- Across Rayalaseema, including Kurnool, Kadapa, Nandyal and Annamayya districts.
- Why
- Devotees were observing the Ganesha festival, while officials arranged water and security to support the immersions.
Reported Challenges
Official Arrangements
Water availability
Reported Challenges
Water shortages caused problems in several places, and some idols taller than five feet remained partly above water.
Official Arrangements
Officials released water into canals, and the Nandyal district administration said arrangements were made to avoid shortages.
Procession sound levels
Reported Challenges
Loud music and DJ performances continued at several locations despite police restrictions on DJs.
Official Arrangements
Police imposed restrictions on DJs while allowing the processions to proceed under security arrangements.
Public safety
Reported Challenges
A few minor altercations occurred at isolated locations, and large crowds created potential security concerns.
Official Arrangements
Police said they deployed security wherever large gatherings were expected and that no major incidents occurred.
- Kurnool processions
- Nearly 30,000 idols were taken out in Kurnool city.
- Regional progress
- About 70 per cent of Rayalaseema’s Ganesha idols were estimated to have been immersed Wednesday.
- Water difficulties
- Shortages forced immersions in small ponds, tanks, check dams and other local water bodies.
- Canal assistance
- Irrigation officials released water into canals including the KC Canal.
- Expected completion
- Remaining idols are likely to be immersed Friday, the fifth day of the festival.
- Security situation
- Police reported a few minor altercations but no major untoward incidents.
- Home observances
- Several families immersed clay Ganesha idols at home.