This year’s idol, a tribute to Operation Sindoor, stood 69 feet tall and was draped in striking red, immediately drawing the crowd's attention.
Published Aug 28, 2025 | 9:42 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 28, 2025 | 9:42 AM
Hyderabad’s Khairatabad once again became the centre of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on 27 August.
Synopsis: Hyderabad’s Khairatabad became the centre of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations with the unveiling of the iconic Bada Ganesh idol, which attracts thousands of devotees who arrive from across the state and beyond to catch a glimpse of the towering figure.
Hyderabad’s Khairatabad once again became the centre of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on Wednesday, 27 August, with the unveiling of the iconic Bada Ganesh idol. The tradition, now deeply rooted in the city’s festive calendar, continues to attract thousands of devotees who arrive from across the state and beyond to catch a glimpse of the towering figure.
This year’s idol, a tribute to Operation Sindoor, stood 69 feet tall and was draped in striking red, immediately drawing the crowd’s attention. Despite heavy rain warnings and damp roads, the flow of devotees hardly slowed.
Queues wound through the neighbourhood, and every few minutes chants of “Ganapathi Bappa Moriya” rose above the din, echoing the devotional energy of the festival.
Loudspeakers repeatedly urged devotees to keep moving, but the momentum of the crowd often slowed as people paused to take in the majesty of the idol.
People queueing up for Bada Ganesh despite the rains
Street vendors lined the roads, their colourful goods adding to the vibrant atmosphere, even as puddles formed along the rain-soaked streets.
Mobile phones dominated the air as people tried to capture the idol from every possible angle. For many, the sight of Khairatabad’s Bada Ganesh was an unforgettable first.
“I’m from Kakinada, and time and again we’ve heard of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Khairatabad, but seeing it for the first time feels really cool,” Gyana, a 21-year-old student who moved to Hyderabad last year, told South First.
“To see such a large idol feels amazing, and the crowd is a testament to its popularity. Apart from the rain, which is making it inconvenient to walk, it’s been a very positive experience. I hope to come back next year,” she added.
Police personnel engaging in crowd control.
The event also posed challenges for authorities tasked with crowd management. The Hyderabad Traffic Police enforced numerous diversions and road closures, which will remain in place for a week to ease congestion around the area.
On the ground, officers worked tirelessly to maintain order.
“This is my first time in crowd control since I joined the force,” said one officer, speaking to South First.
“Everyone wants a picture or two, and no one can blame them. But we have to do our job and keep the line moving so everyone gets a chance to see Bada Ganesh,” he added.
He further said that SHE teams had been deployed to ensure women felt safe within the dense gatherings.
Even under grey skies, the spirit of celebration at Khairatabad remained undiminished, as Hyderabad’s Bada Ganesh once again reaffirmed its place as one of the city’s grandest festive traditions.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
