Sea of saffron sweeps Hyderabad as thousands join Hanuman Jayanti Vijaya Yatra

Hyderabad: A sea of saffron, rhythmic chants, and a spirit of devotion swept through the heart of Hyderabad on Saturday as thousands gathered for the grand Sri Hanuman Jayanti Vijaya Yatra. The 12-kilometre rally — marking the birth of Lord Hanuman — began at Ram Mandir in Gowliguda and culminated at the Tadbund Hanuman Temple in Secunderabad.From Sultan Bazar and Kacheguda to Narayanaguda and Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad, the entire route buzzed with energy. Streets brimmed with devotees, families, and enthusiastic onlookers. Between 4,000 and 5,000 people participated in the main procession, according to police estimates.Over 150 Hanuman Vijaya Yatras were organised within the Hyderabad Commissionerate limits, with an additional 42 processions originating from Cyberabad and Rachakonda commissionerates — significantly increasing the overall participation. All of them converged with the main yatra, collectively covering the 12-kilometre route.Dressed in saffron and white kurtas, participants marched in unison, chanting devotional slogans. Children dressed as Lord Hanuman and other deities stole the spotlight, waving joyfully from atop jeeps and cars. Some even portrayed legendary figures like Maratha ruler Shivaji, adding a historic flavour to the religious fervour.Groups of devotees on foot led the way, followed by convoys of vehicles, bikes, and trucks. Saffron flags fluttered in the wind as youngsters on two-wheelers handed out pamphlets and energised the crowd. DJs added to the festivities, blaring devotional tunes that had people dancing on the streets."This rally starts every year around 10 am, and it just keeps getting bigger," said Sandeep Singh Rathore, a choreographer from Samia Bazar. "Even the business of flag sales has seen a boom — it's all driven by the devotion to Hanuman," he said.To support the devotees, local associations set up water, buttermilk, and food distribution camps along the route. "We've been offering water during this procession every year. It's a community celebration," shared Guru Prasad from Chikkadpally.Among the younger participants was sixth-grader Jai Sagar, dressed as Hanuman. "Since I was 11, I've taken part in this rally every year," he said, beaming with pride. "Everyone loves Hanuman — he's strong and fights evil." He proudly added that it takes him over an hour to dress up as Hanuman.To manage the massive turnout, around 17,000 police personnel were deployed across multiple jurisdictions, marching alongside the rally to ensure smooth conduct.As the procession passed, residents along the route joined in with their own celebrations—setting up small prayer gatherings and capturing the event on their phone cameras, preserving memories of a day when faith, tradition, and community spirit took centre stage.