The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted rainfall in parts of Maharashtra on Thursday when the Ganpati festival will conclude with Ganesh Visarjan or the immersion of idols. The weather department issued an orange alert — predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall — in Ratnagiri and Sindhugarh.

Meanwhile, Mumbai, Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Sholapur, Beed, Amravati, Nagpur, Wardha and Washim are among the cities on yellow alert. The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in these areas.

Ganpati Visarjan 2023 IMD alert Heavy rainfal mumbai Ratnagiri latest news

The rainfall alert was issued as Maharashtra gears up for celebration on the last day of the Ganpati festival. The 10-day Ganesh festival began in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra on September 19.

The immersion of idols takes place on different days of the festival starting from the second day. The festivities will end on Anant Chaturdashi on September 28.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has earmarked 69 natural water bodies (including stretches of the seashore) and set up 191 artificial ponds for the immersion of idols this year, the official said.