Hyderabad, 16 September (H.S.): Ganesh idol immersions began at various water bodies in Hyderabad and its suburbs on Wednesday, the third day of the 11-day Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations.

The administration has made arrangements for the smooth conduct of immersions across the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Cyberabad and Malkajgiri municipal corporation limits.

Devotees took part in immersion processions amid drum beats as Ganesh idols were carried to designated immersion points. Cranes were deployed at several water bodies, including Saroornagar, Kukatpally and Safilguda, to facilitate the immersion process.

Posters were put up on the upper Tank Bund restricting idol immersion there. Officials asked organisers of Ganesh pandals and devotees to use designated immersion points at NTR Gardens and Necklace Road.

Jumbo bags were also placed at immersion locations for devotees to deposit flowers and other puja material instead of disposing of them in lakes.

Adequate police and municipal personnel were deployed at the immersion points to assist devotees and facilitate the process.

The number of idols immersed on the third day remained relatively low, with officials expecting the number to increase as the festival progresses. A large number of idols are expected to be immersed on the fifth, seventh, ninth, tenth and concluding days of the celebrations.

The administration in the three civic jurisdictions has made arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the immersion process.

The festive atmosphere has been visible across the city since Monday, with youth groups and residential welfare associations setting up pandals for worshipping Lord Ganesha. Several streets and residential areas have been decorated with saffron flags, buntings, LED lights and flowers as part of the celebrations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar