(Clockwise) Scores of devotees witnessing immersion of Ganesha idols in Hussainsagar. A large number of people taking part in Ganesha immersion procession at MJ Market. Both young and old dancing to the drumbeats along the procession route. more-in The area around Hussainsagar assumed an air of festivity on Sunday, much like the rest of the city, as denizens arrived in large numbers to bid farewell to Ganesha. Crowds continued to stream from all corners of Greater Hyderabad towards the lake before the break of dawn, adding to the existing gathering which had arrived for immersion on Saturday night. By the end of Saturday, around 15,500 idols were immersed using cranes installed all along the lake. On Sunday, the number of visitors increased an hour before noon as the Khairatabad idol made its way. The police restricted multiple approach roads to walkers and vehicles carrying idols for immersion to control crowd at the lake. By 5 p.m. on Sunday, 1,900 idols were immersed. Clearing of debris from water and cleaning of roads continued even as immersion of idols took place. In all, the GHMC expects immersion of 22,000 idols this year. Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu joined the gathering at one of the immersion spots to offer prayers. “We came to witness the festivities. Though it was a tiring ride due to the crowd, the carnival-like atmosphere made up for it,” said Mangala Sairam, who had arrived with his family for the immersion. Besides colourful processions, play-rides, food and vendors selling toys added to the festive cheer. Artists regaled the crowd with their dance performances even as officials ushered gatherings onward to ensure speedy conclusion of the day’s activities. The crowd thinned following immersion of the Khairatabad idol, but numbers rose as the day wore on. In the evening, many roads leading to Hussainsagar area were blocked as denizens ventured out to take in the festive feel. GHMC officials said by Monday morning, office-going traffic would have easy passage through N.T.R Marg. The municipal administration is expected to have spent around ?18 crore for immersion-related work, a bulk of it for arrangements around Hussainsagar lake.

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