Hyderabad: Devotees throng Khairatabad for glimpse of Ganesh on last day of darshan

The final darshan of the 69-ft Khairatabad Ganesh drew record crowds, with 25 lakh devotees visiting the pandal. Immersion preparations begin Friday, with a Shobha Yatra at 6 am on September 6 and completion planned by noon at Hussain Sagar

Hyderabad: Devotees in large numbers flocked to Khairatabad on Thursday to have a darshan of the city’s popular 69-ft-tall Sri Vishwa Shanti Mahashakti Ganapati.

Thursday marked the last day for darshan of the towering idol, which has attracted huge crowds since its installation. Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Committee president S Raj Kumar said, “We are allowing devotees at the Ganesh pandal till late hours today. From Friday onwards, preparations for immersion will begin and on September 6, the Shobha Yatra will start at 6 am. We intend to complete the idol immersion by 12 noon.”

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According to him, an estimated 25 lakh devotees have visited the Ganesh pandal this year, surpassing previous records for the highest footfall.

The Transport department has arranged a 200-tonne mega crane at the immersion point in Hussain Sagar. By Thursday afternoon, a vehicle from Vijayawada is expected to reach the city to transport the eco-friendly Khairatabad Ganesh idol for immersion.

Dismantling of the shed, removal of iron rods installed to support the tallest idol, and other related works will begin on Friday, a member of the Utsav Committee said.