See Pics: DNA lensmen capture the essence of Ganesh Visarjan on Anantha Chaturdashi

The festival, which began on Ganesh Chaturthi on September 13, concludes Sunday on 'Anant Chaturdashi'. (Photo: DNA Photo/ Pics by Hemant Padalkar and Aadesh Chaudhary)

Public celebration of Ganesh festival dates back over a  century,  when it was first encouraged by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in order to promote nationalist sentiment during the colonial rule.   (Pics by Hemant Padalkar and Aadesh Chaudhary)

In Mumbai, prime locations for immersion are Girgaum Chowpatty (beach), Juhu, Powai lake and Dadar Chowpatty. (Pics by Hemant Padalkar and Aadesh Chaudhary)

In Pune, the top five Ganesh mandals set out for immersion in the morning. (Pics by DNA/ Hemant Padalkar and Aadesh Chaudhary)

In Nashik city of North Maharashtra, Ganesh mandals decided not to use hi-tech sound amplifying systems and 'gulal' powder (which is sprinkled during the procession) during the immersion. (Pics by DNA/ Hemant Padalkar and Aadesh Chaudhary)

The immersion procession of over 50 Ganesh mandals began in the morning from Wakadi Barav locality in Nashik. It will culminate on the bank of the river Godavari. (Photo: DNA Photo/Salman Ansari)

This year, the Ganesh festival also became a public outreach opportunity for politicians, who are eyeing blessings of both Lord Ganesha and his devotees ahead of an election year. (Pics by DNA/ Hemant Padalkar and Aadesh Chaudhary)