Hyderabad Gears Up for Grand Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi, a beloved festival in Hyderabad, will witness the installation of over three hundred thousand idols taller than five feet across the Commissionerate’s this year. Additionally, government ministers have convened a meeting to provide directives to officials involved, ensuring the smooth execution of the festivities.
While the festival is slated for September 19th, the idol immersion is scheduled for September 28th. In a proactive measure to combat pollution, the government has instructed the Pollution Control Board to distribute around 130,000 clay idols. Notably, the immersion day coincides with the Muslim festival of Milad -un-Nabi, and ministers have expressed optimism about the extension of brotherly love, citing the harmonious ‘Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb’.
During a high-level meeting recently, ministers remarked that this year’s festival will surpass previous editions in grandeur. The meeting, held at the Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy HRD Building in Jubilee Hills, was attended by key figures including Animal Husbandry Minister T. Srinivas Yadav, Home Minister Mohd Mahmood Ali, Minister Ch. Malla Reddy, Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha Reddy, representatives from various government departments, police, railway forces, and members of Ganesh Samithi.
Minister Srinivas Yadav highlighted, “Since the formation of Telangana during the BRS administration, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have evolved into more magnificent events. The state government ensures all arrangements are meticulously handled. Food stalls have the flexibility to operate throughout the night, and people can freely navigate during these nine days. Notably, no police permissions are required for pandal installations.”
“Facilities such as RTC, Metro, and MMTS services will be made available to ensure the convenience of devotees who wish to witness the immersion ceremony. Additionally, railway authorities have been directed to remove the height gauge at the Ranigunj rail bridge,” he announced.
In response to inquiries about potential restrictions on Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, the minister conveyed, “Raising awareness about the detrimental effects of PoP pollution among the public is crucial. The government is also taking additional measures to educate the populace.”
Members of the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi (BGUS) present at the meeting appealed to the ministers to request the forest department to supply the 21 types of leaves used in the deity’s offerings. They also sought the publication of the worship rituals by the endowments department.
Dr. Bhagwant Rao, representing the BGUS, additionally advocated for the establishment of a dedicated Ganesh temple at the Secretariat.
Taking note of historical issues and conflicts between political leaders and BGUS members, the ministers were prompted to introduce more stringent regulations to limit the display of large banners featuring politicians’ faces at popular idol installations.
Speaking on the matter, Home Minister Mahmood Ali expressed, “Hyderabad, often referred to as a microcosm of India, is renowned for its harmonious culture. Few places observe as many festivals as we do. The police department is committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment, working tirelessly day and night.”
In response to a query from a BGUS member regarding inadequate sewerage conditions and widespread overflowing across the city, the minister instructed government officials to conduct thorough inspections of the city and gather comprehensive information to facilitate necessary repairs.
Highlighting the global popularity of the Khairatabad and Balapur Ganesh idols, it was emphasized that Hyderabad’s celebrations are second only to those in Mumbai.