2025’s Ganesh Chaturthi visarjan processions and other celebrations saw quite a number of attacks across the country and in neighbouring Nepal and Bangladesh. This is not a new occurrence.

In this report, we have documented 43 separate incidents between 2017 and 2025 where Ganesh Chaturthi processions and celebrations were targeted by violent attacks, vandalism, and organized disruptions across India. These events, occurring in states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, reveal a persistent pattern of violence during one of the nation’s most beloved Hindu festivals.

The incidents range from stone-pelting and physical assaults on devotees to the desecration of idols, arson, and inflammatory sloganeering, often leading to injuries, communal tension, and police intervention.

#1 Idol Immersion Attack – Bhopal, MP (2025)

On 8 September 2025, in the Gautam Nagar area of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, a Ganesh idol immersion procession was violently attacked. As the procession passed a mosque in the Arif Nagar area, it was pelted with stones, causing damage to the idol. Devotees from the Gautam Nagar area retaliated, leading to a clash. The police intervened to control the situation, which had escalated from a religious ceremony into a serious public order incident.

#2 Stone-Pelting on Procession – Maddur, KA (2025)

On 7 September 2025, in Maddur, Karnataka, a Ganesh Chaturthi procession faced a brutal attack. Miscreants pelted stones at the procession, resulting in injuries to eight Hindu devotees. The attack appeared to be a coordinated effort to disrupt the peaceful religious observance. Police registered a case against several unidentified accused persons and launched an investigation into the incident to apprehend those responsible.

#3 Procession Disrupted – Janakpurdham, Nepal (2025)

On 30 August 2025, in Janakpur, Nepal, a Ganesh immersion procession was attacked. The incident occurred near Jhayadi Chowk on the banks of the Dhanush Sagar pond. Two devotees were injured in the stone-pelting. Madhesh Police reached the spot and brought the situation under control, detaining several individuals for questioning regarding the violent disruption.

#4 Planned Disruption Attempt – Vadodara, GJ (2025)

On 26 August 2025, in Vadodara, Gujarat, a planned attempt to disrupt Ganesh Chaturthi was foiled. As preparations for idol immersion were underway, miscreants including Salim Mansuri and Mohammad Irshad Qureshi planned to attack the procession by throwing eggs. Vadodara Police acted on intelligence and detained three individuals from these organizations, preventing a potential major incident.

#5 Clash During Procession – Davangere, KA (2024)

On 19 September 2024, in Davangere, Karnataka, a Ganesh immersion procession was violently attacked. As the procession from Venka Bhovi Colony reached Chamrajpete Circle, a Muslim mob, allegedly angered by the chanting of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, began pelting stones and shouting Islamic slogans. The assault resulted in serious injuries to four policemen and several Hindu devotees.

#6 Temple Vandalism and Threats – Chhindwara, MP (2024)

On 3 November 2024, in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, Mohammad Taufiq broke into a Lord Ganesha temple in Junnardev ward. He vandalised the idols and threatened to kill an elderly woman who tried to stop him. Alerted by her alarms, local residents apprehended Taufiq and handed him over to the police.

#7 Procession Attacked in Muslim-Majority Village – Siddharthnagar, UP (2024)

On 4 November 2024, in the Dumariyaganj area of Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh, a Ganesh and Lakshmi immersion procession was attacked by Muslim rioters in the village of Mali Mainha. Two female devotees were injured in the assault. Police have registered a case against several unknown accused.

#8 Stone-Pelting on Religious Procession – Akola, MH (2024)

On 18 September 2024, in the Nandipeth area of Akola, Maharashtra, Muslim rioters pelted stones at a Ganesh idol procession. The attack left several devotees and policemen injured. In response, police detained 68 individuals suspected of involvement in the stone-pelting.

#9 Idol Shattered, Protestors Lathi-Charged – Bhiwandi, MH (2024)

On 17 September 2024, in Bhiwandi, Thane, Muslim miscreants near the Hindustani Mosque pelted stones at a Ganesh idol during visarjan, shattering it. When the devotees protested the attack, police intervened with a lathi-charge, resulting in serious injuries to multiple people.

#10 Stone-Pelting at Immersion Procession – Siddharthnagar, UP (2024)

On 17 September 2024, in the Shohratgarh area of Siddharthnagar, Muslim rioters pelted stones at a Ganesh immersion procession at Marwari Square. In response, devotees participating in the procession staged protests, demanding action against the miscreants.

#11 Devotees Attacked with Weapons – Kheda, GJ (2024)

On 17 September 2024, in the Gaon area of Kheda, a Muslim mob of 150-200 people attacked a Ganesh Visarjan procession with sticks and pipes as it approached a mosque. The mob was reportedly angered by the music from a DJ. Police detained more than 10 armed individuals on charges of violence.

#12 Procession Halted After Dispute – Shegaon, MH (2024)

On 17 September 2024, in Shegaon town, Buldhana, a Muslim mob pelted stones at a Ganesh immersion procession following a dispute between two individuals. The procession was forced to halt for two hours as devotees demanded the arrest of the culprits.

#13 Ambush Attack in Darkness – Jalgaon Jamod, MH (2024)

On 17 September 2024, in Jalgaon Jamod town, Buldhana, Muslim miscreants switched off streetlights and ambushed a Ganesh Visarjan procession by pelting stones from the roofs of houses. The attack resulted in serious injuries to many Ganesh devotees and three policemen.

#14 Stone-Pelting During Immersion – Aara, CG (2024)

On 17 September 2024, in Aara village, Balrampur, Muslim rioters violently pelted stones during a Ganesh idol immersion. Many people, including Sheela Yadav, suffered serious head injuries. Balrampur Police detained Hashib, Imam, Ittakhab, and Islam on charges of violence.

#15 Group of Women Attacked During Immersion – Yavatmal, MH (2024)

On 17 September 2024, at around 10:30 PM in Dhanki village, Umarkhed, a group of women from the Shiv Chhatrapati Ganesh Mandal were attacked by Muslim rioters while going for Ganesh immersion. Ganesha idols were damaged in the attack. Police filed a report against 74 Muslim miscreants.

#16 Women Harassed and Devotees Attacked – Trilokpuri, Delhi (2024)

On 16 September 2024, in Trilokpuri, an armed Muslim mob attacked a crowd returning after Ganesh Visarjan. Two devotees were seriously injured. Eyewitnesses reported that the miscreants also pulled the dupattas of women.

#17 Seditious Slogans During Attack – Farrukhabad, UP (2024)

On 16 August 2024, under the Shamshabad police station area in Farrukhabad, a Muslim mob attacked people returning after Ganesh Visarjan with sticks and bricks. The rioters also raised slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’.

#18 Provocative Slogans and Threats – Balrampur, UP (2024)

On 16 September 2024, in Balrampur, a Muslim mob participating in a Barawafaat procession waved green flags in front of a Ganesh pandal and shouted, ‘If you want to live in India, you have to say Khwaja-Khwaja.’ The Siddhi Vinayak Seva Samiti complained that the miscreants were shouting indecent slogans, including ‘Palestine Zindabad,’ and issuing threats.

#19 Stone-Pelting Damages Idol – Jalgaon, MH (2024)

On 15 September 2024, in the Gandhilpura area of Amalner, Jalgaon, local Muslim fundamentalists pelted stones at a procession by the ‘Dosti Group Ganeshotsav Mandal’ on the pretext of throwing gulal. The stone-pelting damaged the right side of the Ganesh idol.

#20 Planned Attack on Returning Devotees – Jhansi, UP (2024)

On 15 September 2024, in the Madarganj locality of Jhansi, Muslim rioters first abused Hindus during Ganesh immersion for throwing gulal and shouting slogans. Later, while the devotees were returning, the rioters attacked them in a planned manner. Jhansi police took Shahid and two others into custody.

#21 Arrests for Stone-Pelting on Pandal – Bhilwara, RJ (2024)

On 14 September 2024, in Sanganer, Bhilwara, Muslim rioters pelted stones at a ‘Shri Ganesh Mahotsav Event’. Bhilwara police arrested three youths, Firoz Ali, Sapan, and Mohammad Bilal, all residents of Momin Mohalla, in connection with the case.

#22 Organizer Attacked and Threatened – Daund, MH (2024)

On 14 September 2024, in the Daund area of Pune, Yasin Ismail Sayyed attacked and threatened to kill Sitara Torve over a Ganesh Mahotsav event she had organized. A case was registered against Sayyed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

#23 Violence Erupts Over Firecracker – Mahoba, UP (2024)

On 14 September 2024, tension flared in the Kasautori area of Mahoba when miscreants in a Muslim-dominated area, angered by a child bursting a firecracker during a Ganesh Visarjan procession, resorted to violent stone-pelting and threw water on participants.

#24 Women Injured in Procession Attack – Raigad, MH (2024)

On 12 September 2024, in Murud city, Raigad, two minor Muslim youths pelted stones at a Gauri Ganpati immersion procession passing through the Bhogeswar Pakhadi area. Six women were injured in the attack.

#25 PFI Members Arrested for Procession Attack – Mandya, KA (2024)

On the night of 11 September 2024, in Badrikoppalu village near Nagamangala, Mandya, Muslim rioters pelted stones at a Ganpati immersion procession near a mosque. Armed rioters also set fire to 4-5 parked bikes. Police arrested Yusuf and Nasir of the Popular Front of India (PFI).

#26 Children Incited to Break Idols – Surat, GJ (2024)

On 10 S

The post Documenting 43 Attacks On Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations Across India (2017-2025) appeared first on The Commune.

A disturbing series of communal clashes and violent incidents across various parts of India marred the Durga Puja and Visarjan festivities in 2024. Several regions witnessed attacks, stone-pelting, vandalism, and even fatal shootings as tensions escalated during the immersion processions. The incidents highlighted underlying communal issues and raised concerns over public safety during religious celebrations. Below are 11 instances that occurred during the 2024 Durga Puja season, detailing the extent of the violence and the resulting consequences.

1. Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh (13 October 2024)  

During a Durga idol immersion in Maharajganj, located in the Hardi police station area, tensions flared when an Islamist mob expressed anger over DJ music being played. The altercation escalated into stone-pelting and firing. Ram Gopal Mishra (22) was fatally shot, and several others, including 30-year-old Rajan, Sudhakar Tiwari, Akhilesh Bajpai, and a physically disabled Satyawan, sustained serious injuries.

वाह री हिंदूवादी सरकार
अब हिन्दु नहीं स्वयं कॊ ब्राह्मण अथवा सवर्ण बोलना ही उचित होगा ?

यह योगी सरकार हे
बहराइच में जिन हिंदुओं के लोग मरे उन की ही पुलिस पिटाई कर रही है।
इन्हें सो कॉल्ड law and order हिंदुओं को पीट कर ही मेंटेन करना है।@Uppolice क्या अब हत्यारों कॊ माफी… pic.twitter.com/CltHxXJLM0

— PankajDhavraiyya RspChief (@ChiefRspDhavrai) October 13, 2024

1 हिन्दू युवक की मौत, बहराइच में बवाल के बाद आगजनी, इलाके में भारी तनाव, पुलिस फोर्स तैनात।

घटना के बाद पूरे महराजगंज इलाके को पुलिस छावनी में तब्दील कर दिया गया है। pic.twitter.com/nTKFSRLiIv

— Panchjanya (@epanchjanya) October 13, 2024

2. Howrah, West Bengal (13 October 2024)  

Violence broke out in the Shyampur area when an Islamist mob pelted stones at people participating in a Durga idol immersion procession. The situation escalated further as the mob set fire to the idols and vandalized various pandals. The Shyampur Bazar Vyavasayik Samiti puja pandal suffered extensive damage as multiple idols were burned.

Today a group of miscreants while returning from the Shyampur Police Station where they went to submit a deputation, went berserk and started vandalising the Durga Puja Pandals.
They set on fire the idols at the Shyampur Bazar Byabsayi Samiti Puja Pandal and vandalised other… pic.twitter.com/FETp5rsSJd

— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) October 13, 2024

3. Garhwa, Jharkhand (13 October 2024)  

In two different locations, clashes erupted as the Islamist community members blocked Hindus from proceeding with the idol immersion, citing restricted access to certain areas. This led to stone-pelting and confrontations. The immersion procession was disrupted, and tensions ran high, necessitating intervention to prevent further violence.

4. Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh (12 October 2024)  

An incident occurred in the Manjhanpur area when some members of the Islamist community took offense at the application of gulal (colored powder) on the Imambara platform, leading to stone-pelting and violence.  

The idol was damaged during the chaos, and there were also reports of an attempted assault on a woman. Thirteen individuals, including Ghulam Waris and Saeed Ahmed, were named in the police complaint.

5. Gonda, Uttar Pradesh (12 October 2024)  

As the Durga Visarjan procession made its way towards Khaira Mandir Talab, it encountered resistance in an Islamist-majority locality. The procession participants were attacked with stones. The police had to escort the procession to ensure safety and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.

6. Kolkata, West Bengal (11 October 2024)  

A group of 50-60 individuals entered a puja pandal organized by the New Bengal Sporting Club in Garden Reach, threatening to damage the idol if the celebrations continued. The pandal was vandalized, and the celebrations were momentarily halted due to the violent disruption.

What is this Mr. @CPKolkata; Shri Manoj Kumar Verma (IPS)?
How did the goons garner the ability to storm into a Durga Puja Pandal under the Jurisdiction of the @KolkataPolice and threaten to vandalise the idol of Maa Durga if the rituals aren't stopped?
The incident happened at… pic.twitter.com/QQmcSf10Jo

— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) October 11, 2024

7. Karimganj, Assam (9 October 2024)  

In Mansangan village, trouble ensued when Abdul Ahad, Sahabul Ahmed, and another individual attacked a Durga idol procession by throwing leftover cooked rice at the participants. The idol was damaged, and law enforcement quickly apprehended the perpetrators.

8. Gonda, Uttar Pradesh (9 October 2024)  

Violence erupted when an Islamist mob, including individuals named Aslam, Sultan, and Munna, attacked a Puja pandal and hurled stones at the devotees. A case was registered against 12 suspects as the authorities sought to control the escalating situation.

9. Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh (6 October 2024)  

In Karamhana Bujurg village, violence broke out after some youths objected to the DJ music being played during the Durga procession. The attackers disconnected the sound system wires before fleeing the scene.  

The immersion procession was briefly disrupted as devotees tried to restore order.

10. Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh (6 October 2024)  

As devotees carried the Durga idol, a mob pelted stones at them, resulting in injuries and damage to the idol. The police detained 10 individuals suspected of involvement in the violence.

11. North Tripura, Tripura (6 October 2024)  

Clashes arose in the Kadamtala block area when a local Durga Puja club requested a donation of ₹5000 from an Islamist driver named Jahar Miya, leading to a confrontation with an Islamist mob. Hindu houses and club members faced attacks, and law enforcement had to intervene to restore peace.

From Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal and Tripura, the pattern of hostility and unrest during these events reflects the deep-seated hate that the Islamists have for the Hindu community.

This is not the first time that attacks on visarjan procession or puja pandals have happened in India. Here are 16 instances of attacks on Ganesha processions by Islamists across India during 2024 Vinayakar Chaturthi.

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The post 11 Instances Of Attacks During Durga Puja And Visarjan In 2024 Across India appeared first on The Commune.

On 15 September 2024, a significant protest erupted in Nagercoil, Kanyakumari district, against the police who allegedly attacked youths celebrating with drums and music during the Ganesha Visarjan procession. The incident, which involved injuries to a youth, created considerable unrest.

The Hindu organization had obtained permission to hold a rally with Ganesha idols at Sanguthurai Beach in Nagercoil for the immersion ceremony, symbolizing Ganesha’s return to his celestial abode and bidding farewell until the next year. During the procession, the police reportedly attacked the celebrants, who were dancing and playing music peacefully.

This action was strongly condemned by Hindu organizations and the marchers, who halted the procession to demand an apology from the police involved.

BJP MLA Gandhi and other leaders intervened, engaging in discussions with the police as the demonstration continued for over four hours. The situation was resolved when District SP Sundaravathanam assured that action would be taken against the officers responsible. Subsequently, the procession resumed, and the idols were immersed in the sea at Sanguthurai Beach.

“விநாயகர் சிலை ஊர்வலத்தில் இளைஞரை போலீசார் தாக்கியதாக புகார்..” மன்னிப்பு கேட்க வலியுறுத்தி 4 மணி நேரத்துக்கு மேலாக நடந்த ஆர்ப்பாட்டம்.. நாகர்கோவிலில் பரபரப்பு#Kanniyakumari | #VinayagarChathurthi | #Police | #Attack | #Protest | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/0MqQtqHUJ9

— Polimer News (@polimernews) September 16, 2024

Previously, in V. Kalathur, Perambalur district, the police prevented the consecration of a Lord Ganesha idol, leading to a scuffle between the police and members of Hindu Munnani. The police claimed that the idol was being brought into the village without proper permission and thus blocked its entry. It is important to note that clear court orders allowed Hindus in the locality to celebrate the festival with the deity’s consecration, as is customary across India.

Members of Hindu Munnani were transporting the Ganesha idol in a vehicle when the police stopped them, which led to an argument and subsequent scuffle. According to a High Court order, organizers were required to ensure a peaceful procession. The police imposed a total of 19 conditions, including not offending others’ religious sentiments during the procession, before finally permitting the consecration and worship of the idol.

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The post Protest Erupts In Nagercoil After Police Assault Youth During Ganesha Visarjan Procession appeared first on The Commune.

A communal riot broke out during the Ganesh immersion procession in Nagamangala, Mandya district, in Karnataka, leading to widespread unrest and raising serious concerns about communal harmony in the region. Stones were reportedly pelted at the procession, and several shops were set ablaze. Allegations have surfaced regarding the involvement of members of the banned Kerala-based Popular Front of India (PFI) in orchestrating the violence during the Ganesh Visarjan.

Among the 74 individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR), two—Yusuf (A44) and Naseer (A61)—are residents of Malappuram, Kerala. Both are suspected of being affiliated with the PFI.

The Mandya District Police have arrested Yusuf and Nasir, basically from Malappuram, Kerala, suspected to be linked to the banned Popular Front of India in connection with attack on Ganesha Procession in Nagamangala, Mandya.

Was the attack on the Ganesha procession in… pic.twitter.com/UX38g9tvAF

— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) September 15, 2024

It is alleged that Yusuf and Naseer had been residing in Nagamangala for several days before the procession incident, with accusations that they played a key role in planning the riots. According to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Nagamangala Taluk President Ajit Prasad, their presence in the area, along with evidence of the purchase of 200 masks from a local medical shop on the day of the riots, suggests a premeditated attack.

Prasad further stated that Kerala-based Muslims were involved in using petrol bombs during the violence and demanded that the investigation be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a more thorough probe.

Karnataka’s Minister-in-Charge, Chaluvarayaswamy, attempted to downplay the speculation surrounding the involvement of PFI members in the Ganesh Visarjan. He stated that while a person from Kerala working in a bakery in Nagamangala was arrested for his role in the violence, there is no direct evidence linking the banned PFI to the incident. “Without a full investigation, it is premature to make any conclusions,” the minister said, calling for calm and peace while investigations proceed.

The violence escalated just half an hour after 24 District Armed Reserve (DAR) personnel, who had been deployed to guard the Ganesh procession, left for their meal break. Only seven officers were left at the scene when the mob began attacking with stones, sticks, machetes, and petrol bombs, leading to injuries among several police officers, including PSI Ravi. Many local shops were also set on fire during the chaos.

The Home Department has since suspended Inspector Ashok Kumar of Nagamangala Police Station for failing to ensure adequate security during the sensitive procession. His hesitation to provide meals to the reserve personnel and the subsequent reduction in the police presence is believed to have contributed to the outbreak of violence.

(With inputs from Organiser)

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The post Suspected PFI Involvement In Nagamangala Ganesh Procession Riot, Two Kerala Residents Named in FIR appeared first on The Commune.

Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka has alleged that pro-Pakistan slogans were raised during the Ganesh Visarjan procession violence in Nagamangala town of Mandya district and demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe in the series of similar incidents.

On the Mandya incident, senior BJP leader Ashoka, taking social media X, stated, “Eyewitnesses have reported that three miscreants shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans during the communal clash that took place last Wednesday night during the Ganesh Visarjan in Nagamangala town. This has strengthened suspicions that banned organizations might be involved in the communal unrest.”

Ashoka further stated, “Following this, incidents such as the unruly display of the Palestinian flag by miscreants on a bike in Chikkamagaluru city, and attacks on Hindu youths for hoisting flags in Gandhi Nagar and Ahmad Nagar in Davanagere city, suggest that these provocative acts seem to be targeting the Ganesh festival.”

“Similar incidents occurred during the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. It appears that Hindu festivals, celebrations, and events are being specifically targeted by these disturbances, which seem to be driven by a large network of communal extremist organizations across the state,” Ashoka stated.

“The local police are finding it difficult to break through this organized and sponsored network, which is believed to have interstate and international connections. Therefore, I urge Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to immediately hand over these cases to the NIA for further investigation,” the LoP demanded.

Ashoka has also shared a video of the incident reported from Davanagere city where Hindus were allegedly attacked by a Muslim mob for erecting religious flags in the area during the Ganesh festival.

The video also shows members of the Muslim community along with the police trying to calm down the situation. Another video shows youth waving the Palestine flag and riding on a highway in communally sensitive Chikkamagalur district.

Clashes broke out between two groups during a Ganesh idol procession in Nagamangala town, following which mobs went on a rampage, targeting several shops and vehicles leading to tension on September 12 night.

ನಾಗಮಂಗಲ ಕೋಮುಗಲಭೆ ವೇಳೆ ಪಾಕ್ ಪರ ಘೋಷಣೆ?

ನಾಗಮಂಗಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಬುಧವಾರ ರಾತ್ರಿ ಗಣೇಶ ವಿಸರ್ಜನೆ ವೇಳೆ ನಡೆದ ಕೋಮುಗಲಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂವರು ಕಿಡಿಗೇಡಿಗಳು ಪಾಕಿಸ್ತಾನ ಜಿಂದಾಬಾದ್ ಘೋಷಣೆಗಳು ಕೂಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರತ್ಯಕ್ಷದರ್ಶಿಗಳ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಈ ಕೋಮುದಳ್ಳುರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಷೇಧಿತ ಸಂಘಟನೆಗಳ ಕೈವಾಡವಿರುವ ಅನುಮಾನ ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಗಟ್ಟಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತಿದೆ.… pic.twitter.com/GmyxMyiZIZ

— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) September 16, 2024

This story is based on an IANS story. The headline has been changed.

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The post Pro-Pak Slogans Allegedly Raised During Ganesh Visarjan Procession In Mandya Dist, Karnataka LoP Seeks NIA Probe appeared first on The Commune.