With 15,000 police personnel providing security, over 2,500 idols were immersed in Chennai and the suburban areas on Sunday.
Barring minor skirmishes between those who took part in the procession, the event was conducted in a peaceful manner.
Unlike last year, there were minimal traffic disruptions due to the processions in the city.
A large number of policemen were deployed at T. Nagar and the surrounding areas to ensure a peaceful procession.
Huge Vinayaka idols in different hues were taken on bullock carts and lorries to Kamarajar Salai on Sunday afternoon.
Marina Loop Road saw normal traffic on Sunday evening, unlike last year when it was crammed with vehicles.
900 idols immersed
Two crane operators, who were dropping the huge idols in the sea, said from morning till 7 p.m., they had immersed a total of 900 idols, compared to 1,700 last year.
“This was mainly due to the guidelines and restrictions issued for installing the idols. Political parties were not allowed to install idols,” said a senior police officer.
Thirty members of the Hindu Munnani were arrested for organising a procession on Triplicane High Road without permission.
Meanwhile, 30 cadre of the Dravida Viduthalai Kazhagam were detained for holding the annual ‘Periyar kai thadi urvalam’ before the Vinayaka idol procession.
They were all released later.