Rain No Deterrent as Thousands Throng Khairatabad Ganapathi Pandal

<p>Heavy rains did nothing to dampen the devotion of thousands who thronged the Khairatabad pandal in Hyderabad on Monday to catch a glimpse of the 69-ft-tall Panchamukha Sankatahara Maha Ganapathi.</p>
<p>The venue remained packed through the day, with queue lines stretching across the premises as an unprecedented surge of devotees gathered to seek the blessings of the eco-friendly idol. The Ganesh Utsav Committee and local police worked together to organise the crowds and keep things moving smoothly.</p>
<p>Police and railway police were also deployed at the level crossing near Khairatabad Metro station, in view of the heavy rush of pilgrims heading to the Khairatabad Ganesh.</p>
<p>In a touching community tradition, members of the Padmashali Sangham marked Ganesh Chaturthi by honouring the Khairatabad Bada Ganesh with a specially crafted offering. The presentation included a monumental 75-foot Kanduva (sacred towel), a grand Jandhyam (sacred thread), and a Garika mala (durva grass garland). This marks the fifth consecutive year the Sangham has made this offering, combining deep devotion with the community's traditional craftsmanship.</p>
<p>Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and his spouse also visited the Khairatabad Ganesh pandal and attended the first pooja of the festival.</p>