Pune, Sept. 26 -- Amid traditional dhol-tasha beats, flower showers and chants of "Morya Morya", Pune bid an emotional farewell to Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, regarded as India's first public Ganpati, as the idol was immersed at 4:01 am on Saturday.

Thousands of devotees gathered along the procession route to catch a glimpse of the idol, which was carried on the decorated 'Shri Vighnaharta Rath'. The procession began around 9 pm on Friday, with festival chief and Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Trust trustee Punit Balan leading the chariot.

Earlier, at around 7:30 am, the idol was worshipped and aarti was performed by Dr Bhavarth Dekhne, chief trustee of Alandi Devasthan, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishikesh Rawale.

At 8 am,...