The first set of vehicles carrying the Ganesh idols as part of final immersion has reached Charminar in the old city at about 1.50 p.m., a good four hour behind schedule on Wednesday morning.
Earlier, there was mild tension for a while at about 1 p.m. when the police halted the procession and swtiched off the loudspeakers enroute to allow for the afternoon prayers at the Mecca Masjd.
This led to arguments between the police and the Bhagyanagar Utsav Samiti members including former BJP MLA Baddam Bal Reddy. Central Zone DCP Tarun Joshi came into the scene and calmed the rising tempers.
With the bidding for the famous Balapur Ganesh laddu getting delayed by more than a couple of hours, vehicles carrying the Ganesh idols from places like Aliabad and Shalibanda were kept waiting as traditionally the Balapur Ganesh leads the final procession.
The laddu was successfully bid for Rs. 9.6 lakh by former Mayor Teegala Krishna Reddy at about 10.30 a.m. and the Ganesh idol was placed on the truck at about 10.40 a.m.
Several other vehicles carrying the Ganesh idols in myriad hues will also be joining the procession at different points from here on as it traverses through the old city towards the Hussainsagar Lake.
Majlis chips in
The Majlis party set up a stage at Charminar to welcome the Ganesh procession. Corporators Mohd. Ghouse, Raj Mohan and other party leaders received the procession and also distributed snacks to the participants.
Fruity flavour
The truck carrying the Ganesh idol of New Shakkergunj in Falaknuma was decorated with fruits like apples, sweet lime, pineapple, grapes and pomegranate. As a practice the community members who mainly trade in fruits donate it to the organisers who start the decoration at least a day ahead of the immersion day.
Going edible
A business family which trades in edible oil took the opportunity to display its product on the occasion of immersion day. Different products of the company were prominently arranged and put up for display on the truck carrying the idols.
Bend it like Jalna band
The Jalna band is fast catching up in the city. The drummers who hail from different parts of Maharashtra are a hit among organisers preferring to hire their services. The band had its hands full with its bandwalas known for their precision and synchronization. Thanks to the staggered timings for taking out the procession, the drummers were seen hurrying from one place to other to make the most of the occasion.
