The processions began with tight security and fanfare as the 10-day festival drew to a close. Pics/Satej Shinde
The 'Ganesh Chaturthi' festival, which began on September 7, concludes with 'Anant Chaturdashi' on Tuesday
In Mumbai's Lalbaug area, famous for celebrating the festival with grandeur, the procession of the idol of Tejukaya mandal started amid the chants of "Ganapati bappa morya, pudhchya varshi lavkar ya" (come soon next year Lord)
Processions from various parts of Mumbai, including Fort, Mazgaon, Byculla, Dadar, and Chembur, will make their way towards the Arabian Sea and other water bodies for the final immersion, marking the end of this year's festivities
Devotees thronged the streets, especially on the main road leading to the Girgaon beach, in large numbers, eager to catch a final glimpse of the elaborately adorned idols of the elephant-headed god when they are taken out of pandals for their journey to immersion sites
More than 24,000 police personnel have been deployed in Mumbai to thwart any untoward incident during processions, officials said
Thousands of household and 'sarvajanik' (public) Ganesh idols will be immersed at 204 artificial ponds across the city, along with 69 natural water bodies like Girgaon, Dadar, Juhu, Marve and Aksa beaches.
The BMC said it has deployed more than 12,000 officials and staffers and set up 71 control rooms to manage the processions
It has posted 761 lifeguards and deployed 48 speed boats at the city beaches as a safety measure, and citizens have been advised to avoid entering the deep sea
It has also cautioned citizens about marine species such as 'blue button jellyfish' and 'stingrays' along Mumbai's coastline and advised immediate first aid in case of fish stings
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