Mumbai Deploys Heavy Security as Ganesh Aagman Processions Begin Across City
Mumbai witnessed major pre-Ganeshotsav aagman processions on Saturday as nearly 30 to 40 prominent Ganesh idols, including Andheri Cha Maharaja and Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani, began arriving at mandaps across the city under heavy security.
The grand arrival processions drew thousands of devotees onto the streets, prompting extensive crowd-control measures and traffic arrangements across several neighbourhoods. Alongside Andheri Cha Maharaja and Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani, other major idols scheduled to arrive included Parel Cha Raja, Parel Cha Maharaja, Fort Cha Laadka, Sakinaka Cha Maharaja, and around 25 to 30 other prominent mandal idols.
Security was significantly tightened in the Lalbaug-Parel belt, which was turned into a virtual fortress ahead of the Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani procession. The procession was scheduled to begin from the Parel Central Railway Workshop Ground at noon, moving through Lalbaug before reaching its mandap late at night.
Between 800 and 1,000 police personnel were deployed to manage the massive crowds expected along the procession routes. In addition to the Mumbai Police, personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were stationed across key spots to maintain law and order.
The heightened deployment followed recent tension in Parel and the anticipation of large gatherings. Security arrangements around the Kalachowki signal area were reinforced starting Friday, with multiple police vehicles stationed in the vicinity and special vigilance maintained to prevent untoward incidents and ensure the movement of devotees and vehicles.
To manage crowds and facilitate smooth movement, iron barricades covered with green curtains were erected along road dividers between Lalbaug, Kalachowki, and the Parel Workshop. With multiple processions taking place simultaneously across the city, motorists and commuters faced traffic diversions and restrictions in parts of central and south Mumbai.
Police appealed to devotees participating in the traditional aagman celebrations to follow crowd-management instructions and cooperate with on-duty security personnel throughout the day.
