Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations bring traditional food and festive culture to Telangana
HYDERABAD: Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations began across Telangana on Monday with homes, apartment complexes and neighbourhoods installing Ganesha idols and preparing traditional offerings for the festival.
The festival, known locally as Vinayaka Chavithi, has brought a festive atmosphere to Hyderabad and towns and villages across the state. Devotees visited markets to purchase idols, flowers, fruits and other puja materials before beginning the celebrations.
One of the major attractions in Hyderabad is the giant Ganesha idol installed at the Khairatabad pandal. This year, the idol stands 69 feet tall and has been named Pancha Mukha Sankata Hara Maha Ganapati.
Traditional food and offerings form an important part of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Modaks, laddoos and other sweets are commonly prepared as offerings, while families also prepare regional festive dishes at home.
The festival has also created increased activity for local vendors selling flowers, fruits, decorations and puja materials. Markets have remained busy as families complete preparations for household celebrations.
The celebrations are taking place across Telangana with arrangements made by local authorities and police to manage crowds and maintain security at major pandals and temples.
The festival’s environmental aspect is also gaining attention as thousands of idols are expected to be immersed in water bodies following the celebrations. Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar and other lakes and tanks are among the locations where immersions are expected to take place.
Ganesh Chaturthi combines religious observance with community participation and traditional food culture. From household pujas to large public pandals, the festival brings together families and neighbourhood communities across the state.
With celebrations continuing over the coming days, Telangana is expected to witness further cultural programmes, devotional gatherings and community events before the immersion ceremonies bring the festival period to a close.
