For the dip

Unlike the specially created Vinayaka of a few years ago, this one is quite straightforward, having been made out of the regular clay / plaster of paris. Caught it on Sunday morning just after it had been moved from its pandal on to a bullock cart. The bullock itself was tied up a little away from this group. The band had arrived and was waiting for the signal to start up its noise, which would then accompany the idol and the cart all the way to the beach.

The Sunday after Vinayaka Chathurthi would find many such bullock carts - and pickup trucks, fish-carts as well as smaller private vehicles - bringing idols from different parts of Chennai to be immersed at the Marina or other beaches. It is certainly not on the scale of Mumbai's festivities, but it would still be a good idea to avoid going to the beach that evening.

Unless, of course, you are taking part in the celebrations themselves!