HYDERABAD: After a lull in festivities last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the city was buzzing on the final day of Ganesh Chatruthi celebrations on Sunday. Chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Moriya’ reverberated from all the major water bodies in the city as thousands thronged the streets to bid adieu to the jumbo god.
Devotees were seen throwing colours in the air and dancing along the procession routes with troupes of drummers accompanying them as the 10-day festival came to an end. The immersion procession — Shoba Yatra — began early in the morning amid elaborate security arrangements. Heavy rain in the evening could not dampen the spirits of devotees who continued with immersion proceedings with fervour.
“The procession slowed down a little for a while but continued without any hassle. Arrangements have been made by authorities to ensure everything goes smoothly,” said G Balraju, a
traffic
official. Idols in different sizes and forms were carefully placed on decorated trucks, cars and other vehicles that passed through some of the major thoroughfares such as Charminar, Moazzam Jahi market, Begum Bazaar, Basheer Bagh,
Khairtabad
and other areas.
Around 27,000 policemen were deployed under the limits of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda commissionerates as lakhs took part in the immersion procession of nearly 40,000 idols in
Hussainsagar
and other water bodies across the twin cities.
While idols larger than 10 feet were being immersed from Tank Bund side, the smaller idols were diverted towards People’s Plaza and other points around Hussain Sagar. The
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has installed 330 cranes of various capacities at 33 lakes and 28 special ponds were created for immersion.
As many as 40 cranes have been deployed for immersion at Hussainsagar. To provide help in case of any drowning incidents, authorities also deployed boats with 30 expert swimmers at the water body.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes and messages.