Hyderabad: The stage is set for a grand farewell to Lord Ganesha, with arrangements in place for the immersion of nearly 1.4 lakh idols across Greater Hyderabad on Saturday.The city is brimming with festive energy as processions make their way from different neighbourhoods towards Hussainsagar and other lakes. Streets, markets, and pandals have been alive with colour and sound since Friday evening, marking the close of the 10-day celebrations.Markets like Begum Bazaar, Monda Market, and the lanes of the Old City have been packed for the last two days with trucks carrying idols and shoppers picking up decorations and puja material. “Visarjan is as important as the first day of the festival. Everyone wants to make it special with the best decor and offerings,” said Praveen Agarwal, a trader at Begum Bazaar.Trucks and tractors lit up with buntings, lights, and banners carried idols accompanied by music and cultural performances. “Every year our colony comes together for Visarjan. It is not only about worship but also about bonding as a community,” said Anitha Reddy, a resident of Tarnaka.For many organisers, the final day is the soul of the celebrations. The Friends of Ganesh Utsav Samithi in Secunderabad, called immersion day the true highlight. “This is the culmination of ten days of devotion,” said its member Bhagwant Rao.To handle the massive turnout, authorities have drawn up elaborate plans. The GHMC has deployed sanitation staff at major immersion points. Special teams are on duty at Hussainsagar, Saroornagar, Kukatpally, Kapra, and other lakes to assist devotees.For many families, the farewell carries a touch of emotion. “We welcomed Ganesha with joy, and now as we send him off, it feels like saying goodbye to a guest who stayed with us for ten days,” said Ravi Kumar, a resident of Himayatnagar, preparing to join his colony procession.Authorities have assured that all measures are in place to ensure the immersions pass peacefully and the spirit of the festival is celebrated to the fullest.
