Hyderabad Gears Up for Grand Navaratri Celebrations

Hyderabad: As Dasara, which is celebrated for the victory of good over evil, gets closer, the Navaratri celebrations across Hyderabad have shifted to the top gear, with evenings enlivened with Bathukamma and dandiya dances.

Several cultural associations have installed pandals with Durga idols in the city. The biggest idol, measuring 45 feet in height, is installed at Esamia Bazaar near Koti. According to Gulab Srinivas Gangaputra, one of the organisers of the pandal, more than 20 artisans prepared the idol.

The Bengali Cultural Association inaugurated the Durga Puja on Friday, and organised a lot of special events to mark its golden jubilee celebrations. The pandal was decorated in the traditional Bengal style by specialist craftsmen from Kolkata. Pushpanjali or floral tribute to the goddess will be held everyday. The evening will be peppered with cultural programmes, which include performances by artists and singers from Kolkata and Mumbai.

Biswajit Mukherjee, a participant, said “The association which began its journey in 1984 with a few Bengali migrants, mostly on transferable jobs, joining hands to celebrate Durga puja, has blossomed into an organisation hosting Durga Puja and multiple cultural, literary and charity initiatives, while actively integrating with the local communities”

Maa Vaishno Devi Friends Association organised Mata Ke Chowki, where all devotees will be staying awake and singing bhajans till the sunrise. Dinesh Yadav, one of the organisers, said “Devotees all across the city will take part in the event. This is one of the days when the goddess blesses the devotees with her power and prosperity.”