The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : It's time for cricket too

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 18, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

It's time for cricket too

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: While it was time for many to take part in the Ganesh immersion procession, for the youth in the old city, it was time to "indulge" in some serious cricket. Inside the dingy lanes of "purana shahar," the youth were seen immersed in the game as the police vehicles passed by. The only problem the players faced was that they had to shout their voices hoarse as the blaring sounds of drums and music filled the air.

Patriotism to the fore

For many, Ganesh immersion procession was a platform to showcase their patriotism. While many processionists carried the tri-colour and shouted slogans like "Bharat mata ki jai," others were seen dancing to numbers like "Mere desh ki dharti... " a la Manoj Kumar.

Secular touch

At many places, members of the Muslim community were seen taking part in the procession. They quickly mingled with other processionists and even helped in distributing "prasadam" to the devotees. Dressed in white kurta-pyjamas many of them were seen walking along the procession, now and then shouting "Ganapathi maharaj ki... Jai!"

At some points like Charminar, the police and the processionists were seen engaged in a "battle" now and then. While the police wanted them to move quickly, some enthusiastic dancers made their music bands stop at the particular point and switched on to the dancing mode.

Tense moments

As the noon prayers started at Mecca Masjid, the policemen turned tense. The procession stopped, the drumbeat abated and silence descended on the place. The personnel held their wireless sets close to their ears watching the movement of each and every passer-by. A few minutes later, after the prayers were over, they heaved a sigh of relief and the procession started once again with all its sound and fury.

Bonus for cameramen

Cameraman and photographers covering the event were in for a real high! And an unexpected one at that, courtesy the City Police! The media personnel descended on the place fretting and fuming at the milling crowd only to be taken by surprise. They were taken on sorties by the helicopter being used by the City Police for carrying out aerial surveillance of the procession. And the shutterbugs kept clicking furiously to capture an aerial view, rare footage and prints of course, of familiar places of the city. Imagine seeing Charminar from atop, particularly its terrace where people are barred from entering!

Mythri panels' role

The Mythri peace committee members, as ever, contributed their mite. Many of them were seen assisting the police in making the processionists move ahead. Flashing their identity cards, the Mythri committee members mingled with the crowd easily, indulged in some polite and sweet conversations and ensured that there were no problems whatsoever.

Rumour mills

As usual, rumours mills were working overtime, more so with the television media on a wild goose chase for `breaking some news'! Rumours like "something happened there...." were enough to send reporters into a tizzy. Mobile phones rang and without giving a second thought, the reporters started off to the "area of trouble" only to learn later that there was no such incident.

Sea of humanity

Tank bund and Necklace Road were packed to capacity and the people's number only swelled as the sun went down and all the floodlights came alive giving a brilliant hue to the proceedings. Families, women and children made a beeline to these roads and barricades leading them to put up at considerable distances did not seem to deter them.

Places for rest

All the green spots in the area from traffic islands to road medians became impromptu resting spots for the public as they literally cooled their heels after trudging all the way and standing for hours to get a glimpse of the Ganeshas being immersed.

Hay time for eateries

Roadside eateries did booming business and the sheer range of the snacks available was amazing. Chips, fries, ice creams, popcorn, bhajjis, plus some were served hot like dosas, idlis and well... bread omelettes and even fish fry! Hyderabadi tea seemed to be available in gallons and there was much hankering for the water sachets.

`Prasadam' for all

Ganeshas were reaching immersion spots with heavy-duty cranes from Liberty and Secretariat. Depending on the size and rush, the police were alternatively sending them either towards Tank Bund or the Necklace road. If the procession was slow it was also partly because the public rushed towards any vehicle offering `prasadam'.

Difficult for home-goers

With all major roads leading to the immersion site barricaded, it became tough for those wanting to reach their respective destinations that fell along the route. "I am going crazy trying to find a way out. Isn't there anything you people can do," asked an exasperated two-wheeler. Weary policemen standing in the hot sun since morning could only offer a weak smile.

Gesture to policemen

There was some sympathy for policemen on duty as the people in vehicles were generous in offering ample `prasadam' and water sachets to them.

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