Pune/Mumbai/Hyderabad: The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festivities concluded on Saturday with grandeur and devotion as lakhs of devotees thronged the streets across Maharashtra, Telangana, and other parts of India to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha on Anant Chaturdashi.

Ajit Pawar Offers Pooja at Dagdusheth Temple

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, accompanied by his wife, performed Anant Chaturthi pooja at the renowned Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune. Speaking to reporters, Pawar said, “Ten days passed so quickly, no one even realised, as everyone was deeply engrossed in devotion. I prayed to Lord Ganesha for peace and happiness for all.”

He appealed to citizens to cooperate with police during the immersion processions and ensure a disciplined conclusion to Ganeshotsav. Pawar also addressed the challenges faced by farmers due to heavy rains, assuring that the state government would extend necessary assistance.

Mumbai Resonates with Faith and Festivities

In Mumbai, the streets were packed with devotees, dhol-tasha troupes, and vibrant rangolis as immersion processions began across the city. From Ganesh Gully to Tejukaya mandals, idols began their final journey to the Arabian Sea amid chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also marked the day by performing Ganesh aarti at his residence in Mumbai.

Lalbaugcha Raja’s Grand Farewell

The spotlight in Mumbai remained on the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, one of the most revered Ganesh idols in the country. Thousands gathered in Parel as the 50-foot idol prepared for its immersion at Girgaon Chowpatty. Devotees showered flowers during the traditional Pushpvrishti, while roads were lined with people waiting for a final darshan. The procession, known for its scale and discipline, drew massive crowds braving rains and long hours to bid farewell to their beloved Bappa.

Pune, Nagpur Witness Traditional Immersions

In Pune, the procession of Shree Kasba Ganpati—the city’s Manacha Pahila Ganpati (first honoured idol)—led the immersions. Meanwhile, the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal participated in the main visarjan procession, with trustee Punit Balan expressing hopes that Pune’s Ganeshotsav would be celebrated “DJ-free” in the coming years.

Nagpur too witnessed the grand immersion of Nagpur Cha Raja, following a mangal aarti, with enthusiastic participation despite intermittent rains.

Hyderabad’s 69-ft Khairatabad Ganesh Immersed

Beyond Maharashtra, Hyderabad’s famous 69-foot Khairatabad Ganesh idol was immersed after a spectacular procession that drew massive crowds. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who had offered prayers earlier, praised organisers for upholding the 71-year-old tradition. He also highlighted the state’s unique practice of providing free power supply to Ganesh pandals.

Balapur Laddu Auction Adds Colour

In Rangareddy district, the celebrated Balapur Ganesh Sobha Yatra began with devotional bhajans. The traditional auction of the famous Balapur laddu—which fetched ₹30.01 lakh last year—remained a highlight, drawing spirited participation from devotees and political leaders alike.

Farewell Until Next Year

As Ganesh idols across India were immersed with devotion and discipline, chants of “Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (Come soon next year) echoed in the air, marking the emotional farewell of the beloved deity. The 10-day Ganeshotsav, which began on August 27, concluded with a blend of spirituality, cultural vibrancy, and community spirit.