Thousands of devotees gathered in Pune in the early hours of Sunday to witness the immersion of the revered Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, marking the culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
The immersion procession was accompanied by Mardani Khel—a traditional martial art performance showcasing Maharashtra’s valour and heritage. Pune Joint Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Sharma also performed aarti at Alka Talkies Chowk as part of the ceremony.
In addition to the Rangari Ganpati, large crowds turned up to witness the procession of Shrimant Dagduseth Halwai Ganpati Mandal, one of the city’s most popular celebrations.
Elsewhere in Maharashtra, the farewell processions of iconic idols like Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai and Nagpur Cha Raja also drew massive gatherings. At Lalbaugcha Raja, devotees showered the idol with water and vermillion during its final journey. Several dignitaries and celebrities, including Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani, had offered prayers at the pandal earlier during the 10-day festival.
The immersion of Nagpur Cha Raja began on Saturday afternoon, following a special mangal aarti at the pandal, with preparations made for a massive vehicle procession. Celebrations were also vibrant at Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Chowk in Maharashtra.
The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festivities concluded on Anant Chaturdashi, with immersion processions (visarjan) taking place across the country, as devotees bid an emotional farewell to Lord Ganesh until next year.
