Hyderabad was bustling as thousands of devotees gathered on Thursday to visit the impressive 69-foot ‘Vishwa Shanti Maha Shakti Ganapati’ pandal in Khairtabad. This occasion marked the last day for public viewing, attracting such a large crowd that it caused a stampede-like situation and significant traffic jams around the Khairtabad and Tank Bund areas.
People of all ages queued up to see the famous idol, filling the streets in the city center. The main roads in Khairtabad and Tank Bund were heavily congested due to the influx of visitors. Metro stations at Khairtabad and Lakdikapul also experienced overcrowding.
As the festival was drawing to a close, many devotees traveled from different parts of the city and other states to witness the grand idol and receive blessings. An estimated 60,000 to 70,000 people visit the Khairtabad Ganesh daily, with numbers swelling to one to two lakhs over the weekends. On the festival’s final days, more than two lakh devotees thronged the pandal.
Traffic was heavily affected in areas like Khairtabad, Somajiguda, Punjagutta, and Lakdikapul, with many vehicles stuck in jams. Police advised using alternative routes to avoid delays.
The Khairtabad Maha Ganapati is celebrated as one of Hyderabad’s most renowned Ganesh pandals. This tradition has been ongoing for decades, with a large Ganpati idol installed each year. The Khairtabad Ganesh Utsav Samithi began in 1954 when a local devotee, Singari Shankaraiah, inspired by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, installed a one-foot Ganesh idol.
Security measures were stepped up by police to prevent any incidents. Traffic restrictions around the Khairtabad Ganesh pandal will remain until the idol’s immersion. Special arrangements are also in place to manage the large crowds.
Elsewhere in the city, areas like Begum Bazar drew large numbers of people. The striking ‘Pehelwan Ganesh’ idol, resembling a wrestler, captured significant attention. Across Hyderabad, numerous unique idols were displayed, with notable pandals in Goshamahal, Dhoolpet, and Lal Darwaza featuring giant idols.
The Ganesh festival, which began on August 27, will culminate in a grand immersion procession on Saturday.
