The Hindu : A `laddu' and sea of emotions

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

A `laddu' and sea of emotions

By T. Lalith Singh and R. Ravikanth Reddy

HYDERABAD Sept. 9. The 21-kg `laddu' of Ganesha idol at Balapur was auctioned for Rs. 1.55 lakhs, hours before the procession took off on Tuesday.

Local agriculturist and real estate dealer, C. Bal Reddy, made the highest bid, which started at Rs. 1,116. Last year, the `laddu' was auctioned for Rs. 1.05 lakhs. Mr. Reddy described the prized possession as `prasadam' from Lord Vinayaka and hoped it would bring good luck to him.

Camels, horses join the show

The 24th edition of the centralised procession had several colourful bits joining it. The idol from Shakkar Gunj came fully decked up with different fruits, youngsters with Rajasthani Ganesh Utsav Samithi came in colourful turbans, one came pulling a toy car with small Ganesha in it while five horses and two camels were spotted in the procession at Ameerpet.

Muslims line up

Muslims, too, joined the revelry at several places and the scene of burqa-clad women lining up for the procession was common at several places in the old city.

Patriotic flavour

That it's a time to go `patriotic' was showcased as at several intersections music systems blared patriotic songs, including the ever popular Ae watan, ae watan... The tricolour, too, fluttered atop some trucks and youngsters cheered the procession with loud slogans of Bharat mata ki jai.

Cops are very `open'

Police video-graphers were spotted at almost every intersection filming the progress of the idol march. However, instead of being discreet with the job, the burly cops came flaunting their identity in safari suits!

Bandaru let down

The Union Minister for Urban Development, Bandaru Dattatreya, was busy as usual visiting different pandals and greeting the crowds. However, he had to return disappointed without giving a message to people on DD Telugu, which was airing the immersion live. Mr. Dattatreya went to the Doordarshan OB van, stationed near NTR Park, to give his message. But, Doordarshan officials warned him that he might be violating the code of conduct imposed by the Election Commission for the Karwan bypoll.

Fishing in safe waters!

While the massive cranes were immersing the idols on two sides of Tank Bund, it was the fishermen, using thermocol sheets to float in water, were doing the `holy duty' on the Ranigunj side. Though the service was free, the fishermen earned a few bucks, thanks to the generosity of devotees.

Mega amusement

Devotees who came for the immersion did not miss the opportunity to see the much talked about IMAX multiplex. Some were impressed and some were amused. And many of them wanted to come back to watch a movie there.

Some karate too

There was promotion of business too. A group of young boys and girls brought the Lord on a huge truck with all of them attired in karate dress.

Even as the vehicles moved ahead, there was this girl continuously performing nan-chak attracting the attention of people. Pamphlets of Yamaguchi Karate International were thrown into the public constantly. Some publicity this!

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A `laddu' and sea of emotions