Questioning Rituals...

Today is Ganesh chathurthi. Wishing all a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.

Outside on the roads I see upteen vehicles and people carrynig Ganesh ji's statue, with loads of people hooting "Ganpati Bapa Moriya". Loud music, loud displays consuming great electricity, long processions.. and in the end the immersion of the statue in water body. Wouldnt immersion of statues cause water pollution and in turn affect the life in the water ..how could we not look at that part.. how could we not look, that the next day volunteers and government servants go crazy cleaning up the mess on the roads and water bodies left the previous day ...

I have never understood the concept of immersing the statue of gods and goddesses in the water bodies..Had tried to inquire a few friends but couldnt get some satisfactory answer. It would be nice if someone could enlignten me on the same...

I also dont know if people following the rituals know the meaning of following them or is it that they are swayed by mass sentiment... Why can't we question our rituals? why can't we question our beliefs? Not that we detest what rituals say but atleast one can find answers and then follow them instead of following them blindly..

Should taking out processions and hooting the slokas ever please God ? it would just add to sentimantalising the society to different religious sects.. No offense against any particular religion..its a general blog trying to question our rituals..

It would be nice to have your views :)