The 10-day long Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations began in Hyderabad on Monday.
Beautiful pandals have been erected at almost every nook and corner of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. According to a rough estimate, nearly 50,000 Ganesh pandals have been erected across the city. Ignoring appeals by authorities for reductions in the sizes of idols, this year too, many local organisers have installed giant Ganesh idols at several places in town.
The Khairatabad Ganesh idol has maintained its record of being the tallest in the city, with an added attraction of a massive four-tonne laddoo prepared by a sweet-maker from a village near Rajahmundry.
However, the eco-friendly Ganesh idols being promoted by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority found many takers this year. The HMDA had appealed to the public to use clay idols, to reduce the size of the other idols, and to immerse these smaller idols at homes - rather than in the Hussain Sagar - maybe in a bucket or a tub of water. The HMDA suggested that this water then be used for gardening.
The HMDA has also promoted collective celebrations at significant locations of the city, instead of several gatherings at a community level, and has called for immersions of idols in artificial ponds.
Certain NGOs too have been playing an active role in making clay idols, with an aim of reducing pollution in the Hussain Sagar lake.
The Hyderabad City Police has made unprecedented security arrangements to ensure the peaceful conduct of the 10-day long festival. Besides the regular force, additional security personnel have been deployed across the city. (INN)