Ganesh Chaturthi Kicks Off Amid Rains in Telangana

Hyderabad, Aug 27 (PTI) The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have commenced with great devotion and enthusiasm across the state of Telangana. This year, the festivities began on a rainy Wednesday, yet the weather did not dampen the spirit of devotees. The many towns and villages, along with Hyderabad, have seen the installation of numerous idols of Lord Ganesha in various sizes and forms.

Despite the rains hitting several parts of the state, devotees flocked to the temples and also performed rituals in their homes. Known locally as Vinayaka Chavithi in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the festival is being observed with much reverence. One of the major highlights of this year's celebrations is the imposing Ganesh idol at Khairatabad in Hyderabad.

This year's Khairatabad pandal features a gigantic 69-foot idol, named 'Viswa Santhi Maha Sakthi Ganapati,' which symbolizes global peace and happiness, according to the event organizers. To ensure smooth festivities, the government and police have rolled out comprehensive safety and security arrangements.

Over the nine-day celebrations, these idols are traditionally immersed in water bodies. Hydderabad's Hussain Sagar lake, along with other lakes and tanks in the city, will witness the immersion of thousands of idols.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and leaders from numerous political factions extended their greetings to the devotees on this auspicious occasion. The Chief Minister has also instructed officials to be vigilant due to the ongoing rain. They have been specifically advised to ensure the safety of devotees around electrical wires at pandals.

There is a heightened alert following an unfortunate incident ten days ago, in which five individuals were electrocuted when a chariot came into contact with overhead power lines during a Sri Krishna Janmashtami procession in Hyderabad's Ramanthapur area. Electricity officials have urged devotees to avoid areas with low-hanging wires and to immediately report such hazards to the electricity department.

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