Ganesh Visarjan: 72-Foot Khairatabad Idol Leads Hyderabad Procession as Security Tightened
Final-day Ganesh immersion processions are underway in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, with heavy security, artificial ponds and traffic diversions in place.
The final day of Lord Ganesha's immersion is underway in Hyderabad, where the 72-foot Khairatabad idol is set to be immersed at around 2 pm. Rituals for the immersion have been completed, with some welding work still pending before the procession begins.
Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar said the immersion procession will start once the remaining work is finished, and the immersion in the lake is expected to be completed by around 2 pm. Crowds have already begun gathering at Khairatabad for the Khairatabad Ganesh Shobha Yatra.
Nearly 2,000 police personnel have been deployed for the event, with officials anticipating a large turnout of both participants and spectators. Sajjanar said comprehensive security measures were put in place because of the scale of the festival.
In Ahmedabad, authorities have tightened security for the immersion of Lord Ganesha. The Municipal Corporation has constructed 49 artificial ponds and immersion tanks, while 10,000 police and Home Guard personnel, supervised by 325 officers, have been deployed for security and traffic management. The force is being assisted by one company of the Border Security Force and three companies of the State Reserve Police.
Officials said the deployment covers traffic regulation and general security across different zones. A total of 165 swimmers have been stationed to ensure safety and prevent untoward incidents. Traffic has been diverted or restricted along immersion procession routes, and CCTV cameras, drones, body-worn cameras and videography are being used to monitor and document the processions.
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the celebration of Lord Ganesha's birth, observed with the installation of idols, prayers, devotional offerings and festive gatherings. Devotees worship the deity, associated with wisdom, prosperity and the removal of obstacles, and the festival traditionally concludes with Ganesh Visarjan, when idols are immersed in water amid devotional chants and celebrations.