Massive 69-foot Khairatabad Ganesh idol begins immersion journey
Hyderabad: The Khairatabad area echoed with devotional chants 'Ganpati Bappa Morya’, 'Jai Bolo Ganesh Maharaj ki, Jai', as the 69-foot idol Khairatabad Bada Ganesh Shobha Yatra began its journey, after two hours behind schedule. Despite the delay, the spirit was resilient. The Big Ganapati, a stunning idol, started moving quickly. It rode on a grand truck heavily decorated to match the festive atmosphere with garlands and flowers draped along the sides and front.
Hyderabad police have made special arrangements for the Khairatabad Ganesh immersion. The 69-foot idol, installed on 27-08-2025, will be immersed on 06-09-2025 at NTR Marg (Crane No. 4). Around 80 traffic personnel are deployed in two shifts to manage the 2.5 km route from Khairatabad, taking the deity past the Telephone Bhavan and the Secretariat, a path that would ultimately lead to the bustling shores of the Tank Bund and then be immersed in Hussain Sagar.
Likewise, the festival committee had put up a huge, spectacular display for the Khairatabad Bada Ganesh, marking the commencement of its final journey. As the Khairatabad Bada Ganesh Shobha Yatra advanced, devotees flocked in large numbers, their faith painting the streets in vibrant hues. Furthermore, a dedicated rope party encircled the massive vehicle of the Khairatabad Ganesh, guiding it safely through the sea of people.
Most importantly, this marked the day of the final Ganesh idol immersions in Hyderabad. The sacred immersion was set to take place in the iconic Hussain Sagar and many other water bodies across the city. The Tank Bund area, a focal point of the festivities, was already crowded with vehicles, all inching towards the water. In the same manner, devotees from across the city were gathering in massive numbers for the immersion, creating an electric, albeit chaotic, uproar of devotion.
A total of 3,183 personnel, including Traffic Police and outside forces, are deployed in two shifts for continuous monitoring. Forty high-rise cameras are installed at Tank Bund, Narayanguda, Liberty, Paradise, and Karbala Maidan, supported by a 24/7 monitoring team for real-time tracking.
Traffic restrictions will be in effect from 06:00 hrs on 06-09-2025 to 10:00 hrs on 07-09-2025 along all main procession routes, and may extend if required. Diversions are planned at Keshavagiri, Chandrayangutta, Moosarambagh, Chaderghat, Falaknuma, Charminar, Madina X Road, Afzalgunj, Koti, MJ Bridge, Liberty, Khairatabad, Telugu Talli, and other junctions.
The public is advised to avoid major junctions like MJ Market, Liberty, Ranigunj, Tank Bund, NTR Marg, Necklace Road, and Khairatabad, and use the PVNR Expressway or Outer Ring Road for airport travel. Additionally, Google Maps will provide real-time traffic updates on diversions and alternate routes for commuters' convenience.
Earlier, the Hyderabad Traffic Police urged the public’s cooperation to ensure a safe, smooth, and eco-friendly Ganesh Festival. Citizens are advised to plan travel in advance, follow diversions, and stay updated via Google Maps and official advisories.