Pune witnessed the grand immersion of the revered Kasba Ganpati, the city's most honored deity, as part of the Anant Chaturdashi celebrations.
The traditional procession commenced at 10:30 a.m. with the Kasba Ganpati idol, carried in a beautifully adorned silver palanquin, making its way through the streets.
Starting from Belbaug Chowk, the immersion procession moved via Laxmi Road and reached its destination at Tilak Chowk by 3:25 p.m.
The event was marked by enthusiastic chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya" as thousands of devotees gathered to bid farewell to their beloved deity. The Kasba Ganpati Mandal ensured that the immersion, a key event in Pune's cultural calendar, was conducted in the most traditional manner.
Dignitaries including Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune Ajit Pawar, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, and Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol were present to greet and honor the officials leading the procession.
The immersion was made more colorful and lively with the participation of several groups. The Ramanbaug Dhol-Tasha troupe provided rhythmic beats, while a special float highlighted the significance of the Ganeshotsav festival.
The Parshuram and Rudragarjana Dhol-Tasha troupes, the Prabhat Band, and foreign guests from the Rotary Club added an international flavor to the festivities. Members from Art of Living and Kamayani Institution also participated in the vibrant event.
The immersion of Kasba Ganpati, the first of Pune’s five honored Ganpati idols, set the tone for a series of such processions, symbolizing the culmination of this year's Ganesh festival.