Millions of devotees across Maharashtra bade an emotional farewell to Lord Ganesha on Anant Chaturdashi, 25 September 2026, bringing the ten-day Ganeshotsav to a grand conclusion. Immersion processions moved smoothly across the state amid thunderous chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya', vibrant gulal showers, and the rhythmic beat of dhol-tasha ensembles.

Leaders at Girgaon Chowpatty

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde visited Girgaon Chowpatty to personally oversee the immersion proceedings. Speaking to reporters on site, Fadnavis praised the disciplined and festive atmosphere across Mumbai and Pune. In a pointed political aside, he said: 'I pray to Bappa to bestow good sense upon the opposition and immerse all negativity and ill intent.'

The Chief Minister commended the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Police for their meticulous coordination during one of the city's largest annual public gatherings. Deputy CM Shinde separately thanked municipal, police, and traffic personnel for ensuring safety throughout the celebrations, and reaffirmed the government's support for farmers during the festive season.

Lalbaugcha Raja: 93 Years of Devotion

The immersion of Lalbaugcha Raja — widely regarded as the jewel of Mumbai's Ganeshotsav — drew hundreds of thousands of devotees from across India and abroad. Crowds waited for hours to catch a final glimpse of the 20-foot idol adorned with gold, whose gentle expression and majestic presence left devotees visibly moved.

This year marked the 93rd edition of Lalbaugcha Raja, with the mandap crafted around a Lord Shiva theme that recreated the spiritual ambience of Mount Kailash. Other major processions from Mumbaicha Raja, Ganesh Galli, Chintamani, Parelcha Raja, and Tejukaya converged on Girgaon Chowpatty in succession through the day.

Pune's Manache Ganpati Immersions

In Pune, the five revered Manache Ganpati — Shree Kasba Ganpati, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug, and Kesariwada Ganpati — completed their immersions early in the day under tight supervision. Thousands later lined the streets for the grand procession of the iconic Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, one of Maharashtra's most celebrated idols.

Despite strict noise and regulatory guidelines in place, traditional dhol-tasha troupes and lezim performances sustained the celebratory spirit throughout, underscoring the festival's deep-rooted cultural heritage.

Civic Preparedness and Peaceful Send-Off

State and civic authorities deployed emergency response units and mounted extensive traffic management operations across both cities. The coordinated effort ensured a peaceful, orderly farewell to the beloved deity — a logistical feat given the scale of simultaneous processions across hundreds of localities.

As the last idols entered the waters and the chants faded into the night, Maharashtra's promise rang clear: Ganpati Bappa will return next year.