Ganesh idols from various towns across Britain were immersed in rivers as part of the 'visarjan' ceremony, culminating the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the country.

The festival was celebrated in more British towns than earlier this year, a phenomenon depicting the rise in Indian population here mainly due to increased immigration of professionals.

Chants of Ganpati bappa morya reverberated through the air as over 1,000 Ganesh followers participated in the 'visarjan' ceremony at River Mersey, Liverpool. The idol was carried abroad ferry Royal Daffodil across the river.

Coverage: Ganeshotsav

Shiv Pande, secretary of the Indo British Association in the North, said the river had been adopted by British Hindus as their own Ganges [Images]. The association, which organised the ceremony, aims to promote better understanding between British and Indian people.

"Those people who were regular ferry-crossers were enjoying everything. It was wonderful that everyone was in a happy and generous mood," Pande, 68, a retired general practitioner from Edge Hill, said.

"The flowers are immersed in the river. They represent dedication, devotion and submission to the Lord," he added.

Many of the followers at the Liverpool function travelled from outside the town, including Leicester, where the festival was celebrated with much fervour by the large number of people with origins in Gujarat.