Telangana kicked off the nine-day Ganesh Chaturthi, locally known as Vinayaka Chavithi, with immense devotional fervor and vibrant celebrations across the state on Wednesday. Despite intermittent rainfall, lakhs of devotees thronged temples and set up colorful pandals, installing Lord Ganesha idols of various sizes and artistic designs in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and rural areas.
The centerpiece of the festivities is the towering 69-foot idol at Khairatabad’s iconic pandal, named Viswa Santhi Maha Sakthi Ganapati, symbolizing global peace and prosperity. Crafted by skilled artisans from Maharashtra, the eco-friendly idol, adorned with intricate jewelry and vibrant colors, drew thousands of devotees, including families and dignitaries, offering prayers for wisdom and success. Organizers expect over 10 lakh visitors to the pandal before the festival concludes with idol immersions on September 4.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and leaders from BRS, BJP, and Congress extended heartfelt greetings, emphasizing Ganesha’s role as the remover of obstacles. Reddy personally visited the Khairatabad pandal, urging officials to ensure devotee safety amid rains and potential electrical hazards. This follows a tragic incident 10 days ago, where five people were electrocuted during a Krishna Janmashtami procession in Ramanthapur due to contact with live wires.
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The state government and police have deployed extensive security, traffic management, and emergency response teams. Over 15,000 police personnel are stationed across Hyderabad, with CCTV surveillance and drone monitoring at major pandals. The Telangana State Power Distribution Company issued advisories to avoid dangling wires, urging organizers to report hazards immediately. Hussain Sagar Lake, along with 20 other water bodies, is prepared for the grand immersion ceremonies, with cranes and divers on standby.
Cultural programs, including bhajans, classical dances, and community feasts, are enriching the festivities. Environmental groups have promoted clay idols to reduce pollution during immersions, with over 30% of pandals opting for eco-friendly Ganeshas this year, a rise from 2024’s 22%.
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