Ganesh Procession Passes Off Peacefully

Amidst unprecedented security and heavy rains, the final Ganesh immersion procession passed off peacefully in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad on Wednesday.

Thousands of big and small idols were taken on a 15-kilometre-long main procession from Keshavagiri in the Old City to Hussain Sagar, for immersion, in large trucks. However, the incessant downpour reduced the pace of the procession at several places. The immersion of Ganesh idols too was delayed due to heavy rains in the evening.

However, thousands of people braved the rain and gathered at Tank Bund and Necklace Road, to witness the immersion of nearly 50,000 Ganesh idols of all sizes.

Nearly 15,000 security personnel, including special forces, were deployed to ensure the peaceful culmination of the mammoth procession. The procession was also monitored through 800 CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations across the city.

The city's tallest Ganesh idol at Khairatabad, too, has started its journey for immersion into the Hussain Sagar. Because of its heavy size, it is likely to reach the Hussain Sagar only on Thursday morning.

Hundreds of youth wearing saffron scarves marched towards the lake with the Ganesh idols with "Ganapathi Bappa Mourya, Ab Ke Baras Jaldi Aa" slogans.

Officials say that the immersion process will be completed only by Thursday afternoon. (INN)