Daijiworld Media Network- Ponda

Ponda, Sep 1: The otherwise quiet village of Adpai in Ponda taluka came alive Sunday evening as its 16 families, or kutumb, celebrated the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi with processions and immersion ceremonies along the Zuari river.

Each family carried its Ganesh idol accompanied by a larger-than-life tableau, depicting mythological themes and social messages. The 16 Kutumb — including the Khumne Bhatkar, Borkar, Khandekar, Bandodkar, Pokle, Soshe Bhatkar, Sakle Mule, Vasta, Mangni, Vaile Mule, Tari Lotlikar, Khandekar Kadebhat, Mardolkar, Kurdikar, Nameshwar, and Shivamba Devi clans — congregate at their ancestral homes annually for the festival.

Union minister of state Shripad Naik, a native of Adpai from the Soshe Bhatkar family, noted that their tableau depicted Lord Krishna, with members clad in traditional attire. Other families showcased creative representations, including the borkar family’s depiction of the Sun and the Vasta family’s goddess Laxmi idol.

All idols were brought to the Datta Mandap in the village for a joint prayer before being immersed in the Zuari river. Canoes were arranged to carry the idols to the centre of the river for the immersion ceremony, adding to the festive spectacle.

The event draws visitors from across the state, highlighting Adpai’s rich cultural and religious traditions.