In Hyderabad, the 84th Durga Puja celebration by the Hyderabad Bangalee Samity at NTR Stadium was a grand event. Over 100,000 devotees from Telangana and nearby areas attended the spiritually uplifting Sandhi Puja. The crowd gathered to seek blessings from Goddess Durga during this important festival moment.
Traditional drums, conch shells, and chants filled the stadium as priests performed rituals with great splendor. Ceremonial lamps were lit for the aarthi, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. Thousands enjoyed free community meals, or annadanam, provided during the festivities.
Organizers and volunteers ensured smooth arrangements for the large gathering. This year, devotees from various communities and regions, including Mahbubnagar, Patancheru, Sangareddy, Warangal, and Sir Pur Kagaznagar, joined the celebration, traveling by buses and trains.
The event showcased Hyderabad’s cultural diversity. Families from Telugu, Marathi, Punjabi, Marwari, and Bengali backgrounds celebrated together in unity. Shri Jishnu Dev Verma, the governor of Telangana, addressed the crowd in Bengali and promised to return next year for the festival.
Rahul Deb, a winner of Sa Re Ga Ma, performed during the celebration. In a gesture of goodwill, several Telugu devotees shared Jammi leaves with Bangalee Samity members, symbolizing blessings and harmony. As Sandhi Puja concluded, the event highlighted the city’s multicultural spirit and the deep devotion that brings people together for this cherished tradition.
