Daylong processions through the streets, followed by the immersion of statues of Lord Ganesh in a body a water, mark the tradition of Anant Chaturdashi, which falls this year on the 25th of September. This marks the final day of the 10-day festival paying homage to Lord Ganesh, when Hindus gather at major waterfront sites to immerse the religious figure's likenesses.
In Mumbai, the Mumbai Amateur Radio Institute VU2BPA is joining a number of agencies, including local police, to ensure that everything goes smoothly as thousands of Hindus make their way through the city to the water.
The institute's secretary, Jayesh Banatwala, VU2IVV, told the Deccan Herald: that having ham radio support for police and other agencies' networks greatly reduces the chances that something will go wrong. According to the group's website, the communication support to local authorities like the municipal corporation, traffic police, and fire brigade often mean that some of the ham radio operators are sent out on boats with lifeguards.
