Kanpur: Idols of Lord Ganesh were installed at various pandals and homes in the city amid mantras and chants as the 10-day festivities of Ganesh Puja commenced with Ganesh Chaturthi on Monday. The day was celebrated with religious fervour across the city.The idols were welcomed to the puja pandals decorated on different themes amid drum beats and devotional music. Priests performed the idol installation rituals. Many devotees also installed idols at their homes for five, seven or 10 days.The festivities began early in the morning with the auspicious time for the idol installation starting around 7 am, and continued throughout the day. Several pandals remained crowded as devotees participated in the installation ceremonies and offered prayers.The 110-year-old Siddhi Vinayak temple in Collectorganj remained a major attraction. A long queue of devotees was seen outside the temple since morning hours. The queue continued to grow with devotees arriving there to offer prayers throughout the day.A Ganesh idol was also installed at the historic Mansa Devi temple. The temple premises were decorated with lights and flowers. Following the idol installation, a maha aarti was performed. The temple will holdThe head priest said the idol would be immersed after seven days and bhajan sandhya would be organised at the temple every evening during the festival.Similarly, other organisers who have installed the idol will also organise cultural and musical events.
