Ganesh Idols Tumble in Palghar and Thane as Heavy Pre-Festival Rains Batter Maharashtra

Heavy rain and strong winds disrupted Ganesh Chaturthi preparations across Maharashtra on Saturday, sending a sudden spell of panic through Palghar and Thane districts after two separate idol transportation mishaps.

In Nalasopara West, members of a local Ganeshotsav mandal were moving a deity from an artisan workshop to their pandal when a sudden downpour struck. Devotees rushed to shield the structure with a plastic tarpaulin, but the transport trolley hit an unstable patch. The idol lost its balance and toppled, briefly trapping four to five people underneath before local residents waded into the chaos to pull them free. No serious injuries were recorded in the Palghar incident.

Another Incident Reported

Hours later in neighbouring Thane, a parallel accident turned costly. An arrival procession organised by the Sheetal Chhaya Mitra Mandal was transporting an idol from Navghar toward Bhayander West. Near Golden Nest Chowk, the carriage tilted and the idol crashed onto the road, shattering into pieces. One young man sustained injuries during the collapse.

Both incidents occurred on the eve of the statewide festival, highlighting the logistical challenges mandals face when navigating monsoon weather during final preparations. Local authorities have urged organisers to secure heavy transport vehicles and monitor weather conditions closely as community celebrations commence.