Final Day of Our Celebrations
We reached the last day of our celebrations, ready to bid farewell to our beloved Ganesha. But with the devotion and enthusiasm displayed, I’m sure Ganesha himself wasn’t ready to leave us! Yet, as all good things must come to an end, we had to say goodbye with heavy hearts.
The day began with the usual morning pooja, attended by many families. Following this, Guru & Radhika (E-403) kindly arranged a delicious breakfast for all the residents. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to them for this wonderful gesture.
In the spirit of community, the committee decided that no one should worry about cooking at home, so everyone could focus on the Shobha Yatra. A grand lunch was arranged as part of Annadanam, not just for our residents but also for those outside at the main gate. At least 1,000 people enjoyed a fulfilling meal, showering blessings on Shweta Shubham for their generosity. It was heartwarming to see so many enjoying the feast, and the blessings we’ve earned will surely come back to all our families.
In the evening, everyone gathered at the amphitheater for a photo session, creating a wave of orange and olive green—men in orange kurtas and women in olive green kurtis. It was a beautiful sight, symbolizing the unity and harmony within our community.
Afterward, we returned to the pandal for the evening programs. Vinod led the proceedings with a brief report on the celebrations, and everyone was in awe as he highlighted how much we’ve grown and improved over the years.
One of the day’s most eagerly awaited events was the prize distribution, recognizing all the winners from the various competitions over the past six days. A total of 85 prizes were awarded, and the joy on everyone’s faces was priceless. Of course, a few children who didn’t win prizes felt a little disappointed, but Suresh & Padmaja (F-101) stepped in with a wonderful gesture. They gave gifts to some of the kids who missed out, encouraging them and spreading more joy.
Next up was the lucky draw for the small ladoo, which Nagarjuna (E-504) won. Following that, the bidding began for the big ladoo. The atmosphere was electric as several residents participated enthusiastically. In the end, Venkateshwarlu Sir (A-401) won the ladoo for ₹83,100.
At 8:00 PM, the Shobha Yatra kicked off with a DJ band. The energy was infectious as men, women, and children danced their hearts out to the music. Even as I write this at midnight, the Shobha Yatra is still in full swing! There’s been no drop in energy, and Ganesha is receiving the grandest send-off imaginable. No doubt, he’ll be eager to join us again next year!
Amidst the festivities, we were honored by the visit of Mynampally Hanumantha Rao, Ex-MLA, who came to take blessings from Ganesha. He couldn’t resist joining in the celebrations, and was soon dancing to the DJ beats alongside the residents, a testament to the electric energy in the air..
Special thanks to all our committee members, extended committee members, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the past 3-4 weeks to make this celebration a success. While the events are what people will remember, it's important to acknowledge that three times the effort went on behind the scenes. Many unsung heroes of our community worked relentlessly without any expectation of recognition. They deserve a big round of applause.
Conclusion: As we bid farewell to Ganesha, the energy, devotion, and togetherness displayed by our community were truly heartwarming. We eagerly await his return next year, knowing these cherished moments will remain with us forever.