Farewell to the Lord today

Later today, city's Ganesh mandals will bid adieu to their Ganpati idols amidst splendour and security. Over 10,700 immersions are expected to take place across 84 immersion spots across the city.

Later today, city's Ganesh mandals will bid adieu to their Ganpati idols amidst splendour and security. Over 10,700 immersions are expected to take place across 84 immersion spots across the city.

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At the Ganesh Galli Ganpati mandal, for the first time, armed guards will watch over the procession of priests and devotees who will escort the idol on its way to Girgaum Chowpatty for immersion today. The extra security has been necessitated by the 5.3 kilogram gold chain, worth Rs 1.5 crore, which will be worn by the idol till it is immersed. The chain, designed this year, was fashioned out of gold donated to the mandal since it first started in 1928.

“This is our way of ensuring that the donations of Bappa's devotees will be with him till the very last minute,” said Swapnil Parab, secretary, Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal. The procession will halt at Saat Rasta for a few hours to allow devotees in the area a glimpse of the idol.

Meanwhile, the procession carrying the famous Lalbaugcha Raja will start after the final aarti at 11am.

The procession from yet another prominent mandal, the Sahyadri Krida Mandal at Tilak Nagar, will reach immersion point in the wee hours of Monday.

At Matunga's flower market, flower sellers will weave large garlands to adorn the five-foot idol as it heads for immersion.