Devotees waited in queue lines extending up to two kilometers on Saturday and Sunday as a massive surge of visitors arrived at the festival venue in Hyderabad. With the annual celebrations moving into their final phase, families and visitors from multiple districts are arriving to view the 69-foot tall clay idol before its final immersion.
Organisers and local volunteers reported a significant spike in attendance during evening hours, which created heavy congestion around the venue. Devotees waited for several hours in designated lines to reach the main viewing area. Despite temporary traffic restrictions and high footfall, crowd movement remained continuous under careful regulation.
Current Darshan Status and Idol Details
This year marks the 72nd year of the tradition, featuring an idol sculpted as Sri Panchamukha Sankatahara Maha Ganapati. The eco-friendly structure is crafted from natural clay, sand, paddy straw, and water-based colours. The design includes five distinct faces representing the elements, flanked by a 15-foot representation of the Somnath Jyotirlinga on one side and Kaalika Mata on the other.
Pandal authorities confirmed that darshan remains open around the clock to accommodate the continuous rush. The morning hours between 6 AM and 9 AM offer shorter waiting times. Devotees planning to visit during the evening are advised to allocate extra travel time due to extended queues and security checks at entry points.
Traffic Restrictions and Transit Guidelines
To handle the large crowd movement, the Hyderabad traffic police placed specific vehicle restrictions around the Khairatabad zone. Diversions remain active from 11 AM until late into the night across major junctions, including Ayodhya, Nirankari, Mint Compound, and the Secretariat area. Authorities advise commuters to avoid driving personal cars or two-wheelers through these routes.
Using the Hyderabad Metro network is the most efficient way to access the venue, with the Khairatabad Metro Station located a short walk from the main pandal. Additional police personnel are stationed along the transit paths to guide commuters and maintain order. Security measures include extra closed-circuit television cameras monitoring the entire queue system.
The daily puja rituals continue regularly, drawing public figures alongside worshippers. The entire festival layout will remain operational until the grand immersion event, which is scheduled for September 25, 2026, marking the conclusion of the annual celebrations.