Archive · 26 Sep 2026
Hyderabad Ganesh Immersions Pass Peacefully Amid Tight Security
Hyderabad celebrated the end of 11 days of Ganesh festivities on Friday.
People carried Ganesh idols in large processions with drums, music, flowers and prayers.
The biggest procession came from Balapur and travelled about 19 kilometres to Hussain Sagar.
The large Khairatabad idol was immersed first in the afternoon.
The Balapur idol was immersed later the same day.
More than 77,000 idols were taken to lakes, ponds and other immersion places.
The process continued overnight because many idols were waiting their turn.
Police, civic workers, cranes, boats, swimmers, ambulances and cameras were used to keep people safe.
Officials said the event passed peacefully despite large crowds and traffic restrictions.
More than 77,000 Ganesh idols were immersed across Hyderabad on Friday, with operations continuing overnight at 141 sites.
The 69-foot Khairatabad Bada Ganesh was immersed around 2:30–2:40 p.m., followed by the Balapur idol around 4:30–5 p.m.
The Balapur procession covered 19 kilometres from Balapur through the Old City to Hussain Sagar.
Authorities deployed about 20,000 police personnel, 20,000 civic staff, CCTV cameras, drones, cranes, boats and swimmers.
Traffic restrictions and heavy security were imposed, but officials said the main procession and traffic outside immersion zones remained largely peaceful and smooth.
- Who
- Ganesh devotees, procession organisers, Hyderabad civic authorities, police and emergency-response teams.
- What
- The Ganesh Shobha Yatra and mass idol-immersion process marking the end of the 11-day Ganesh festivities.
- When
- Friday, Anant Chaturdashi; immersions continued overnight into Saturday.
- Where
- Hyderabad, including Hussain Sagar, Tank Bund, NTR Marg, the Old City, Saroornagar, IDL and Shamirpet lakes, and other immersion sites.
- Why
- To conclude the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations by immersing the idols.
- Idols immersed
- More than 77,000 across Hyderabad on Friday
- Immersion sites
- 141 sites, including Hussain Sagar, Saroornagar, IDL and Shamirpet lakes
- Khairatabad idol
- 69 feet; immersed around 2:30–2:40 p.m.
- Balapur idol
- 25 feet; immersed around 4:30–5 p.m. after a 19-kilometre procession
- Security deployment
- About 20,000 police personnel, supported by RPF, CRPF, RAF and other forces
- Surveillance
- Around 10,000 CCTV cameras, 24 drones and nearly 100 high-rise cameras
- Civic arrangements
- 110 static cranes, 170 mobile cranes, 51 DRF teams and 234 professional swimmers
