Hyderabad: Khairatabad Ganesh darshan began after Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla performed the first puja at the historic idol. His wife also joined him in the special prayers.
During the ceremony, the Governor and his wife offered silk clothes to the idol. Before the puja, idol committee members, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and local MLA Danam Nagender welcomed the Governor.
After the welcome, they took him to the idol, where priests conducted the puja. Meanwhile, Ponnam Prabhakar offered silk clothes to the Khairatabad Ganesh. In addition, the Padmashali association presented a large shawl and yajnopavita.
Across India, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations began with pandals coming up in neighbourhoods and localities. Various forms of Ganesh idols decorated the pandals, adding to the festive atmosphere. At the same time, Ganesh temples across the country echoed with devotional chants.
Devotees also began visiting the historic Khairatabad idol for darshan. As part of the arrangements, officials set up special queue lines for devotees.
Khairatabad Ganesh stands 69 feet tall this year
This year, the Khairatabad Ganesh appeared as Sri Panchamukha Sankatahara Maha Ganapathi. Organisers built the idol to a height of 69 feet using an eco-friendly approach.
For devotees, officials made arrangements to manage the crowds. They also set up special queue lines to regulate darshan and visitor movement.
Meanwhile, officials imposed traffic restrictions around Khairatabad. According to officials, the restrictions would continue for 12 days during the celebrations.
The first puja marked the start of darshan at the 69-foot Khairatabad Ganesh idol.