A FESTIVE and pious atmosphere enveloped several areas in Trinidad yesterday as Hindu devotees bid farewell to murtis (statues) of Lord Ganesh (remover of obstacles), bringing an end to the annual ten-day Ganesh Utsav (celebrations).

South Trinidad, which has been described as the home of the Ganesh festivals, was alive, with various temples from Penal, Debe, Siparia and La Romaine immersing their murtis in the seas and rivers.

Life-like statues of Ganesh are sculpted out of the earth before the festival starts. The murtis are then dressed up beautifully and set on a pedestal for prayers. After worship for ten days, the earthen statues are returned on the 11th day to the earth by immersion in the water.

At the final ceremony, devotees offer coconuts, flowers and lighted camphors into the waters during the immersion of the statue.

The immersion ceremony symbolises Ganesh returning to his abode in Kailash, and taking with him the misfortunes of his devotees, a cycle which represents that of creation and dissolution in nature. See Page 29.