Ganpati Visarjan marks the culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi, when families and communities bid farewell to Lord Ganesha after days of prayer and celebration. The immersion, or visarjan, carries profound meaning—signifying the cycle of creation and dissolution, reminding us that all forms return to their source.

The processions to rivers, lakes, and seas are charged with devotion, accompanied by chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya!”. It is a time of collective energy and heartfelt emotion as the deity is carried towards the water, embodying both farewell and renewal.

At the same time, the ritual has an undeniable environmental dimension. Traditionally, idols were crafted from clay and natural colors that dissolved harmlessly. In contrast, the use of plaster of Paris and chemical paints in recent decades has left a damaging impact on aquatic life and water quality. In response, many communities now encourage eco-friendly idols, artificial immersion tanks, and recycling practices to reduce harm and preserve natural resources.

This photo series documents the layered story of visarjan: the spiritual act of letting go, the intensity of communal devotion and its balance with ecological needs.