Telangana Government Announces Free Electricity for Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri Pandals. Pandal Organizers Will Not Have to Pay Electricity Bills. A Massive Ganapati Idol Installed at Khairatabad Pandal in Hyderabad.
Telangana: The Telangana government has announced free electricity for pandals across the state during Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Navratri this year. This scheme will be in effect for the 11 days of Ganesh Chaturthi and the 9 days of Durga Navratri. Under this initiative, organizers using electricity in the pandals will not have to pay any bills. The government's move is aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of religious events and prioritizing the convenience of devotees.
Festivities in the State on the Auspicious Occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated with great fervor across Telangana on Wednesday. It is also known as Vinayak Chavithi. Devotees installed idols of Lord Ganesha in cities and villages throughout the state. The enthusiasm was particularly palpable in Hyderabad and surrounding areas. Despite the rain on this holy occasion, a large number of people visited temples and pandals for darshan and participated in prayers.
Features of the Free Electricity Scheme
According to this scheme, the state government has ensured free electricity usage in pandals for the 11 days of Ganesh Chaturthi and the 9 days of Durga Navratri. This will reduce the burden of electricity expenses for the organizers. The objective of the scheme is to facilitate grand and smooth celebrations of religious festivals. This initiative will prove to be a significant relief, especially for small and medium-sized pandal organizers.
Government officials state that electricity consumption increases significantly during this period compared to normal days. This scheme will prove beneficial for organizers in terms of lighting, sound systems, pandal decorations, and the use of other electronic equipment.
Khairatabad Pandal: Vishwa Shanti Mahashakti Ganapati
The Khairatabad pandal in Hyderabad continues to be the biggest attraction in the state this year as well. A colossal 69-foot idol has been installed here. This idol has been named 'Vishwa Shanti Mahashakti Ganapati'. Organizers have stated that the purpose of this idol is to pray for peace, prosperity, and well-being across the entire world.
Extensive arrangements for security and order have been made for the devotees and tourists visiting the pandal. Police and administration have implemented strict security measures during this period to ensure the smooth celebration of the festival.
Free Electricity Also for Durga Navratri
This initiative by the Telangana government will also extend to Durga Navratri pandals. During Durga Puja, a large number of Goddess idols are installed in pandals across various parts of the state. Significant electricity consumption occurs during this period for lighting, sound, and decorations. The free electricity scheme will provide relief to organizers, enabling them to decorate their pandals more attractively.
Immersion and Security Arrangements
At the culmination of the festival, the idols will be immersed. Thousands of idols will be immersed in the Hussain Sagar lake and other water bodies in Hyderabad. The administration has ensured security and traffic arrangements for the immersion period as well. Special arrangements have been made keeping in mind the convenience and safety of devotees as well as tourists.
