Mumbai, Sept 25 : Hundreds of thousands of devotees participated in the immersion ceremony of the idols of Lord Ganesha as the 10-day Ganesha Chaturthi festival came to an end today.

In Mumbai, thousands of people crowded the streets to see their beloved god being immersed amidst beating of drums. Men and women danced as they paid their respects to the god seeking his blessings.

"I live at Meera road and have come with my entire family to Lalbagh today to offer obeisance to him. Whatever you ask him for; your wish is always fulfilled. We come here with a lot of faith and conviction," said Ashok Laxman Rao, a devotee.

Several huge and small idols, which were worshipped over 10 days after their installation at homes and mandapas (pendals), were taken out in the procession.

Sweety, a devotee, said: "Everyone is filled with happiness by the arrival of Ganpati. It reunites people."

In Pune, devotees thronged streets, dancing and singing as they joined the procession.

"Ever since the start of the festival all the citizens of Pune have supported these celebrations with fervour. Everyone is hoping that the manner in which Lord Ganesha has brought good luck and prosperity to people, he should do so in future also," said Ajit Powar, the organiser of a procession.

The festival marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, signifying good omen and prosperity.

Earlier, Ganesh Chaturthi used to be a personal or private affair, celebrated at homes. But at the turn of the century, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a fighter for freedom from British rule, converted it into a public event.

The festival is hugely popular in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra. (With inputs from ANI)