India, Aug. 4 -- The decision by some mandals about immersion procession this year may trigger controversy. Nearly 100 Ganpati mandals have announced their decision to begin the procession at 7am from Laxmi Road - three hours before the traditional start led by the five 'Manache' (prestigious) Ganpatis.

Traditionally, the procession begins around 10am with the five Manache Ganpati mandals leading the way till evening.

This year, citing delays and logistical challenges, a large group of mandals has proposed an early start. Two prominent and historic mandals - Shreemant Bhausaheb Rangari and Akhil Mandai - had earlier declared they would begin immersion soon after the Manache Ganpatis due to a total lunar eclipse scheduled the day after A...