Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations turned tragic in parts of Maharashtra as at least four people lost their lives and 13 others went missing during idol immersion ceremonies, police said on Sunday.

In Pune district’s Chakan area, four people were swept away in separate incidents. “Two men were pulled into the strong currents of the Bhama river at Waki Khurd, while another was swept away at Shell Pimpalgaon. A fourth person slipped and fell into a well at Birwadi in rural Pune,” a police official told PTI. So far, two bodies have been recovered, and rescue teams are continuing the search for the others.

Similar heart-wrenching incidents were reported across other districts.

In Nanded’s Gadegaon village, three people were carried away by a river’s current during the immersion. One of them was rescued, but the search is still on for the other two.

Nashik reported the highest number of casualties, with four people drowning during visarjan. One body was recovered in Sinnar, and rescue operations are ongoing.

In Jalgaon, three people were swept away in separate incidents. In Thane, three more were reported missing in water-related accidents—one body has been found so far. Amravati also reported a suspected drowning, with search efforts underway.

The incidents occurred amid continuous rainfall across many parts of Maharashtra, which has caused rivers and water bodies to swell, increasing the risks during immersion rituals. In response, State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to aid in rescue and recovery efforts.

Officials have urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid immersion in dangerous or overflowing water bodies, especially during such unpredictable weather. What should have been a festive celebration has turned into a day of mourning for many families.