September 16, 2007
Source: BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6997255.stm
About 4,000 people have travelled to an Essex resort to consecrate a 6ft image of the Hindu deity Lord Ganesha.
Hindus from all over the UK converged at Southend-on-Sea to see the ceremonial immersion in the sea.
The event was marked by fire rituals, dancing, devotional singing, and offerings of sanctified food.
Organisers claim it was one of the largest immersion ceremony of Lord Ganesha, seen with the head of an elephant, outside India.
The colourful festival was organised by the Jalaram Mandir in Greenford, the Hindu Association of Southend-on-Sea, and the Hindu Forum of Britain, who all want it to become an annual event.