After nine days of celebrations, the Ganesha Shobha Yatra (idol immersion procession) got off to a colourful start in the erstwhile Nizamabad district on Sunday evening. The yatra began after a special pooja performed by the representatives of Sarvajanik Samaj at Dubba here.
Among those who attended the pooja were Rajya Sabha member D. Srinivas, MLC A. Lalitha, Collector M. Ram Mohan Rao, Commissioner of Police Kartikeya, former MLAs B. Ganesh Gupta and Y. Laxminarayana, BJP leader D. Suryanarayana, Congress leaders Taher Bin Hamdan, B. Mahesh Kumar Goud and G. Gangadhar.
The procession chariot carrying numerous Ganesha idols, drawn by 16 pairs of oxen, began its journey to Vinayukula Bavi at Vinayakanagar on Hyderabad road. It traversed through all the main thoroughfares before reaching the well. Idols installed at various locations joined the procession too. Large idols were diverted to Basar to be immersed in river Godavari, 30 km away from the city.
Police had made elaborate security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the event. Cops were deployed at all important junctions and in old city, while liquor shops, bar and restaurants were closed for the day in view of the procession.
In Kamareddy, the shobha yatra, which was formally launched on Saturday night, continued till Sunday night. The idols were immersed in Pedda Cheruvu in Kamareddy and Tekrial tank. Unlike the last year, the yatra was peaceful this time and police security was minimal. Except one Circle Inspector of Police for supervision, senior officers were conspicuous by their absence.
Former MLA G. Govardhan, Collector N. Satyanarayana and Superintendent of Police N. Swetha offered prayers before the start of the shobha yatra.
Colourful procession
KHAMMAM Special Correspondent adds: Over 200 Ganesha idols were immersed in Munneru river till late in the evening here on Sunday marking the end of Ganesha Navaratri festivities.
Amid tight security arrangements, scores of Ganesha idols were carried to the immersion site in a colourful procession. The police conducted intensive check against drunk driving at various localities en route the immersion site.
Earlier in the day, Collector R.V. Karnan, Commissioner of Police Tafseer Iqbal, former MLA P. Ajay Kumar, Khammam Mayor G. Papalal and others participated at the inaugural ceremony of Ganesha Shoba Yatra organised by Sthambadri Utsav Committee at Gandhi Chowk in the town.