The immersion (*Visarjan*) of the idol takes place on the eleventh day following the installation (*Sthapana*) of Ganpati on Ganesh Chaturthi. Many people also install the idol in their homes during this period and perform the immersion after one-and-a-half, three, or seven days. This year, the installation took place on September 14; those who brought Ganpati home with a vow to keep the idol for one-and-a-half days will perform the immersion on September 15.

On the day of installation, people bring the idol of Ganpati Bappa home and celebrate the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi with full rituals. Primarily, this ten-day festival is a symbol of deep faith in Ganpati. Worshipping Bappa at home brings happiness and prosperity. However, if you are planning to immerse the idol after one-and-a-half days, there are certain mistakes you should avoid. Let us look at them:

**Do not perform immersion without offering *Bhog***
Even if you are immersing the idol after just one-and-a-half days, you must ensure that you worship Bappa with full rituals on that day and offer *Bhog* (sacred food offering).

Furthermore, perform the *Aarti* and offer a prayer for forgiveness before lifting the idol from its place to take it for immersion. You should also offer a coconut during the worship.

**Do not throw worship materials in the trash**
Often, after the worship concludes, people immerse the idol but leave the worship materials lying around the house or throw them into the garbage.

You should never discard worship materials—such as flowers, garlands, coconuts, or other items—in the trash. Instead, ensure that these materials are also immersed respectfully or placed beneath a tree.

**Removing all decorations immediately after immersion**
After the immersion, many people completely clean the area where the idol was installed. Doing so is considered improper; it is believed that if all decorations are removed immediately, one may not receive Ganpati's blessings. Clean the spot where you had installed the Ganpati idol on the day following the immersion.

The correct direction for Bappa's face during immersion
It is often observed that when people carry the Ganpati idol for immersion, the idol faces away from the house. This is considered a major mistake.

When carrying the idol, you should always ensure that Bappa's face is turned towards the inside of the house. This signifies that Ganpati's blessings will always remain with your home and family.

If you are performing the Ganpati immersion after one and a half days, avoid making the mistakes mentioned here. Failing to do so prevents you from receiving Ganpati's full grace and the spiritual benefits of the worship.

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