Five 'Manache Ganpati' immersed in Pune

Thousands of devotees thronged the streets as the five 'Manache Ganpati' who traditionally take precedence in the procession were immersed Sunday.

Ganesh idols of Kasba, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug and Kesariwada Ganesh Mandals were immersed after grand processions by 7.15 PM.

The processions started around 10 AM with great fanfare, accompanied by traditional Dhol-Tasha (drum)troupes.

Mayor Mukta Tilak welcomed the five Mandals at Alka Theatre square.

Hundreds of other Ganesh Mandals also joined the processions along the city's main thoroughfares.

Despite the Bombay High Court refusing to lift the ban imposed by the Maharashtra government on use of hi-tech sound-amplifying systems such as DJ and Dolby sound, some Mandals played extremely loud music during the processions.

Some Mandals had threatened Saturdaythat they would boycott the immersion processions if the ban was not lifted.

Joint commissioner of police Shivaji Bodkhe said police were keeping a watch and action will be taken against those who breach the maximum permissible sound limits.