From the archive record
A peaceful 'visarjan' or immersion of Lord Ganesha idols marked the end to the ten-day long festival today as lakhs of devotees bid adieu to the elephant-headed deity, including the famous 'Lalbaugcha Raja' idol. The immersion process which started since early hours yesterday culminated this morning with over 50,000 idols being immersed amidst fanfare and tight security. A total 50,250 idols were immersed at the designated natural and artificial spots, including at major sites Girgaon Chowpatty, Juhu beach, Powai lake, Dadar, Madh jetty, Marve. They included 9,714 'sarvajanik' idols, 40,302 'gharguti' (those at homes) and 234 'gauri' idols that were immersed at 71 natural sites and 26 artificial spots across the city and in the suburbs. A total 2,577 immersions took place in the artificial