The streets near Hussainsagar were filled with the sound of drums as trucks lined up to bid farewell to Lord Ganesh. Devotees chanted and a large crowd gathered at the lake for the immersion ceremony. The roads leading to Hussainsagar were decorated with flower petals and colors. Many unique Ganesh idols were carried in decorated carts by the devotees. Some people even decorated their two-wheelers with flowers. Many devotees wore saffron turbans with the words “Ganapati Bappa Moriya” written on them.
There were small street food courts along the footpaths of Tankbund where people enjoyed delicious delicacies. Philanthropic organizations set up stalls along the procession route to offer free food and water. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board provided drinking water to people. Mahesh Reddy, an IT employee, said he has been visiting Tank Bund on Anant Chaturdashi for the past six years to witness the colorful procession at Hussainsagar.
Sunil, who came from Nizamabad, said he eagerly waits every year to be a part of the huge Ganesh immersion procession. He specifically visits Tank Bund to see the Khairatabad Ganesh Shoba Yatra.
The State government made elaborate arrangements for the festival and tight security was in place. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation sanitation staff continuously cleaned the procession route and mobile toilets were installed at NTR Marg.
