Hyderabad, September 29, 2023 - In a heart-wrenching turn of events, two young boys lost their lives during the Ganesh immersion procession in Hyderabad today. The incident has cast a pall of grief over the city's otherwise jubilant celebration of the Hindu festival.
The annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, had reached its crescendo today as thousands of devotees gathered to bid farewell to their beloved Elephant-headed God by immersing elaborately adorned idols into water bodies across the city. However, amidst the festive fervor, tragedy struck in two separate incidents.
In the first incident, a 12-year-old boy named Arjun, hailing from the Old City area, was caught in a stampede that ensued near the Hussain Sagar Lake, one of the main immersion points in the city. The overcrowding and chaos resulted in Arjun getting separated from his family and being trampled by the surging crowd. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries.
The second incident involved a 14-year-old boy named Rajesh, who was electrocuted by a live wire near the NTR Marg immersion point. He was attempting to take a selfie with a large Ganesh idol as it was being immersed in the water. Tragically, he came into contact with a live wire, leading to a fatal electrocution.
Authorities have expressed deep condolences to the grieving families and have initiated investigations into both incidents. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the police have been working together to ensure the safety of devotees during the immersion procession, but the sheer volume of participants can sometimes lead to challenging crowd control situations.
In response to these tragic incidents, officials have urged devotees to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines during such events. They have also pledged to enhance safety measures for future processions, including better crowd management, the identification of potential hazards, and increased security.
The incidents have cast a somber mood over what was otherwise a joyous occasion for Hyderabad's residents. As the city mourns the loss of two young lives, it's a stark reminder of the importance of safety during large-scale public gatherings. Hyderabad stands together in grief, emphasizing the need to prioritize safety while celebrating its rich cultural and religious traditions.
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the city's most celebrated festivals, will forever be tinged with sadness this year as Hyderabad remembers the two young souls who lost their lives in the midst of devotion and celebration.
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