Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
NAGPUR, INDIA, August 29, 2009: For the last four years in Nagpur, teenaged divers have been assisting devotees at Telagkhedi Lake by immersing their Ganeshas. By performing this service, a teenager may earn some US $40 during the festival.
The young divers charge between $0.20 and $10 depending on the size of the murti.
Some of the boys wear life-jackets which, besides keeping them afloat effortlessly, also help them attract and reassure devotees–some of whom would otherwise fear for the kids’ lives. The boys follow all rituals like taking three dips in the lake before bidding adieu to the Lord. In addition, they tell the devotees not to pollute the lake by throwing puja material. Some of the older boys have been selected by Ambazari police to act lifeguards during the last day of immersion.