The grand immersion of thousands of Lord Ganesh idols began across Hyderabad and Telangana on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of the nine-day Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. In Hyderabad alone, an estimated one lakh idols were installed this year for worship. Elaborate arrangements were made by the Telangana government for the immersion process, with 468 cranes and 15,000 personnel working around the clock.
A major highlight was the ‘Shobha Yatra’ of the 70 ft-tall Ganesh idol from the famous Khairatabad pandal, which is expected to be immersed in the Hussain Sagar lake. Security is tight, with 25,000 police personnel deployed, and 733 CCTV cameras monitoring the immersion in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits.
The auction of laddu ‘prasadam’ also drew attention, with a pandal in Bandlaguda Jagir fetching a record Rs 1.87 crore. The immersion process is expected to continue for 24 hours amidst heavy public participation.
The immersion of thousands of Lord Ganesh idols in water bodies across Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana began on Tuesday, marking the grand culmination of the vibrant nine-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. This event, a blend of religious fervor and cultural tradition, saw the streets of Hyderabad transform into a sea of color, music, and devotion, as processions carried idols of Lord Ganesh to various water bodies for the symbolic farewell, also known as ‘Ganesh Visarjan.’
A Citywide Celebration
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most prominent Hindu festivals, is celebrated with great devotion in Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad. The festival, which spans nine days, is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god known as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. During these nine days, thousands of idols are installed in pandals (temporary stages) and homes, where devotees offer prayers, flowers, sweets, and fruits to Lord Ganesh.
This year, an estimated one lakh (100,000) Ganesh idols were set up across the city, each varying in size and design, ranging from small household statues to towering idols that stood several stories tall. The festival is not only a time for religious observance but also for community gatherings, cultural programs, and social harmony. The most famous of these idols, the Khairatabad Ganesh, has been a major attraction for decades, drawing huge crowds during the festival.
The 70 ft Khairatabad Ganesh: The Heart of the Festivities
One of the most iconic highlights of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Hyderabad is the towering idol installed at Khairatabad, a locality in the heart of the city. Known for its immense size, the Khairatabad Ganesh idol has become a symbol of the city’s devotion and craftsmanship. Each year, this idol is designed with a new theme, showcasing intricate artistry that reflects mythological stories or religious symbolism.
This year, the Khairatabad Ganesh statue stood at a colossal height of 70 feet, making it one of the largest idols in the country. Adorned with elaborate decorations and vibrant colors, the idol attracted hundreds of thousands of devotees and tourists alike during the nine-day festival. The immersion of this idol, referred to as the ‘Shobha Yatra,’ is one of the most anticipated events in the city’s religious calendar.
The Shobha Yatra, a grand procession, began on Tuesday morning. Devotees gathered in large numbers to catch a final glimpse of the majestic idol before it made its journey toward the Hussain Sagar lake, a man-made lake in the heart of Hyderabad where the immersion of idols traditionally takes place. The sight of the gigantic Khairatabad Ganesh being transported through the city’s streets, accompanied by drumbeats, chants, and fireworks, is both awe-inspiring and deeply emotional for devotees.
The Immersion Process
The immersion or ‘Visarjan’ of Ganesh idols symbolizes the cycle of creation and dissolution in Hindu philosophy, reminding devotees of the transient nature of life. As the idols are carried in procession to water bodies, the streets come alive with celebratory fervor, while simultaneously carrying a sense of farewell to the beloved deity.
The Telangana government, anticipating the scale of the event, made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the immersion process. A total of 468 cranes were deployed across the city to assist in the immersion of the idols, especially the larger ones, like the Khairatabad Ganesh, which requires special equipment and personnel for a safe and efficient immersion.
The immersion process is expected to continue for nearly 24 hours, with idols being submerged in various water bodies, including the iconic Hussain Sagar lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in Asia. In addition to Hussain Sagar, several smaller lakes and tanks across the city were designated for the immersion to manage the large number of idols.
To manage the massive crowds, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has mobilized a workforce of over 15,000 personnel. These workers, drawn from various departments including sanitation, engineering, and law enforcement, are operating in three shifts to ensure round-the-clock monitoring and execution of the immersion event. The cleanup operations, which begin immediately after the immersions, are an equally important aspect of the arrangements, as the city focuses on minimizing environmental impact.
Security Arrangements
Given the scale of the immersion event, extensive security measures were put in place to prevent any untoward incidents. A total of 25,000 police personnel were deployed across Hyderabad to ensure the safety of devotees and the smooth flow of traffic during the processions. The immersion event is a massive logistical exercise, with the Hyderabad Traffic Police implementing traffic restrictions and diversions to manage the heavy movement of vehicles and processions.
The immersion in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits is being closely monitored with the help of 733 CCTV cameras. These cameras were installed in key areas, especially near Hussain Sagar lake and other major immersion points, to provide real-time surveillance. The police officials also conducted thorough checks to prevent any security lapses during the immersion, as large crowds and congested areas are always a concern during such large-scale public events.
The Laddu Auction: A Unique Tradition
Another notable feature of the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities in Telangana is the auction of the laddu ‘prasadam’ offered in the pandals. The laddu, a traditional Indian sweet, holds special significance during the festival, as it is considered a favorite offering to Lord Ganesh. Devotees believe that acquiring the laddu prasadam, particularly through the auction process, brings good luck and prosperity.
This year, the laddu auction at a pandal in Bandlaguda Jagir created quite a stir, fetching a record Rs 1.87 crore, an amount that stunned many. The successful bidder, who won the laddu, is believed to have gained the blessings of Lord Ganesh for wealth, prosperity, and happiness. The proceeds from these auctions are typically used for charitable activities or to fund future festivals.
Environmental and Civic Responsibilities
In recent years, the environmental impact of Ganesh Visarjan has become a topic of concern, especially due to the use of plaster-of-Paris (PoP) idols, which do not dissolve easily in water and can lead to water pollution. To address this, the Telangana government and several civic bodies have been promoting the use of eco-friendly clay idols and encouraging devotees to adopt sustainable practices.
Special arrangements were made for the safe and environmentally friendly immersion of idols. Artificial ponds were set up in various locations to reduce the burden on natural water bodies. Additionally, the GHMC has ramped up efforts to ensure post-immersion cleanup operations, deploying thousands of workers to clear debris and maintain cleanliness around the lakes and immersion sites.
The immersion of Ganesh idols across Hyderabad and Telangana is a spectacular and deeply significant event, reflecting the devotion, unity, and cultural richness of the people. With over one lakh idols being immersed this year, the celebrations were grander than ever, but they were also conducted with a sense of responsibility and concern for the environment. From the towering Khairatabad Ganesh to the auction of laddu prasadam, the festival continues to be a vital part of Telangana’s cultural and spiritual identity, leaving behind cherished memories as devotees bid farewell to their beloved Lord Ganesh until next year.
