Mumbai : The ten-day long Ganesh Chaturthi festival will end on Saturday as people across India, especially Mumbai, will bid adieu to the elephant-headed God.

A tinge of sadness is in the air, but it is also the time when a yearlong wait begins for Lord Ganesh to return here next year same time.

The mood of festivity is finally going to get over on Saturday as the idols will be taken to water bodies and then immersed.

Although celebrated across India, the festival is most popular in Maharashtra.

Large number of processions are expected to hit the streets of Mumbai in the evening with devotees shouting- ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’.

Around 90,000 Ganesh idols are expected to be immersed at 84 different spots in the city.

Security has been increased in Mumbai and around 25,000 policemen have been deployed in the city on the occasion.

According to reports, one company of the Border Security Force (BSF), four companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed in the city for the occasion.

In order to maintain security and avoid accidents, above 350 lifeguards have been deployed and 37 watch towers have been constructed at important immersion spots.

The Mumbai Police have issued maps leading to the major immersion points in the city.

In order to maintain the traffic movement in the city, the police have made certain plans for the day.

Around 3,000 traffic policemen will be on duty on Saturday.

As many as 50 roads in the city have been made one-way, while 13 roads were closed for heavy vehicles for the day.

‘No Parking’ zones have been made on 61 roads, police said.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vivek Phansalkar told  “We wish the people a great, enjoyable and safe Anant Chaturdashi and appeal to the public to cooperate with the Mumbai police by becoming their eyes and ears. It is in the interest of the city and people, and also in the interest of security.”

Ganesh Chaturthi festival started on Sept 19.