‘Swadeshi’ Theme This Year For Ganesh Fest
For the festival, 160 Ganesh Action Teams (GATs) have been formed, each comprising 18 officials from government departments along with Samiti members. One GAT will be stationed for every 3 km: Reports
HYDERABAD: The Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti, which is overseeing arrangements across the GHMC region, said this year’s celebrations will see several seers visiting the city and touring Ganesh pandals, including those located in smaller bastis.
The theme for this year is ‘Swadeshi’, with the samiti urging all pandals to use only Indian-made items, including lighting materials.
Founded in 1980, the samiti had about 1,500 Ganesh idols participating in the first combined procession. This year, nearly 1.4 lakh idols measuring five feet and above, as intimated to police, are expected to be installed. In addition, idols in apartments, residential colonies, educational institutions, and homes will run into lakhs.
For the festival, 160 Ganesh Action Teams (GATs) have been formed, each comprising 18 officials from government departments along with Samiti members. One GAT will be stationed for every 3 km.
Samiti general secretary, Dr Ravinutala Shashidhar, said: “We have held several meetings with mandap organisers and government departments. The city will be decorated in saffron, with one lakh saffron flags across Hyderabad. The government has extended full support as always. From last year, free electricity has been provided to Ganesh pandals, following our request.”
He announced that the main Ganesh immersion will take place on September 6, Anantha Chaturdasi.