The immersion processions of the idols of prominent Ganesh mandals in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra began this morning amid fanfare. All photos/Manjeet Thakur

The immersion processions of the idols of prominent Ganesh mandals in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra began this morning amid fanfare. All photos/Manjeet Thakur

Among the early starters for the immersion in the city were the Ganesh Galli Mandal and Lalbaughcha Raja which attracted lakhs of devotees during the Ganesh festival

Among the early starters for the immersion in the city were the Ganesh Galli Mandal and Lalbaughcha Raja which attracted lakhs of devotees during the Ganesh festival

The immersion marks the end of the Ganesh festival, which was popularised by Bal Gangadhar Tilak to bring the people together to create a feeling of patriotism and fight the British Raj

The immersion marks the end of the Ganesh festival, which was popularised by Bal Gangadhar Tilak to bring the people together to create a feeling of patriotism and fight the British Raj

Over 7,600 Ganesh idols installed at public places and more than one lakh idols in homes will be immersed today, police said

Over 7,600 Ganesh idols installed at public places and more than one lakh idols in homes will be immersed today, police said

The smaller idols will be immersed first, followed by the big ones like Lalbaugcha Raja, which will be immersed in the Arabian Sea at Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai

The smaller idols will be immersed first, followed by the big ones like Lalbaugcha Raja, which will be immersed in the Arabian Sea at Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai

Lalbaugcha Raja is one of Mumbai's oldest Ganesh mandals

Lalbaugcha Raja is one of Mumbai's oldest Ganesh mandals

Volunteers showering a Ganpati idol with flowers and gulaal during a Visarjan procession

Volunteers showering a Ganpati idol with flowers and gulaal during a Visarjan procession

Girgaon Chowpatty is one of many popular Ganpati immersion sites around Mumbai

Girgaon Chowpatty is one of many popular Ganpati immersion sites around Mumbai

A group of Ganesh Visarjan revellers posing for a selfie

A group of Ganesh Visarjan revellers posing for a selfie

Lalbaugcha Raja, GSB and Andhericha Raja are three of many famous Ganpati mandals in Mumbai

Lalbaugcha Raja, GSB and Andhericha Raja are three of many famous Ganpati mandals in Mumbai

Visarjan revellers during a procession in Mumbai

Visarjan revellers during a procession in Mumbai

A Ganpati idol getting showered with flowers and gulaal during a visarjan procession in Mumbai

A Ganpati idol getting showered with flowers and gulaal during a visarjan procession in Mumbai