Hanuman Jayanti procession begins amid tight security and devotion in Hyderabad

Annual Veer Hanuman Jayanti procession in Gowliguda draws thousands of devotees despite police warnings on loud music.

The narrow lanes of Gowliguda came alive with fervour on Saturday (April 12, 2025) morning as the Veer Hanuman Jayanti procession began from the Ram Mandir, marking a significant moment in the annual celebration of Lord Hanuman’s birth. The area was draped in saffron as thousands of devotees, many donning saffron kurtas, gathered to take part in the procession despite the searing summer heat.

Amid heavy police deployment, the ceremonial chariot carrying a statue of Lord Hanuman rolled out of Gowliguda at around 11.30 a.m., following a special pooja at the temple. The ritual was attended by a large number of devotees. The procession is set to move through key areas of the city including Koti, Sultan Bazaar, YMCA Narayanguda, RTC Crossroads, Gandhinagar, and Paradise, and will conclude at Veeranjaneya Swamy Devasthanam in Tadbund about 12 km from the temple.

While the main event commenced from Gowliguda, Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated across the city with smaller temples in Sultan Bazaar, Esamia Bazar, Narayanguda, and Chikkadpally witnessing significant footfall. Devotees thronged these temples to offer prayers, and several community-run stalls served fruit juices to help people cope with Hyderabad’s scorching heat.

Despite repeated advisories from the city police, DJ and high-volume loudspeakers were used during the procession. Earlier in the week, on April 9, Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand had conducted a review meeting with VHP and Bajrang Dal representatives, urging them to refrain from using sound systems during the procession. A second meeting held on April 11 by Central Zone DCP K. Shilpavalli reiterated the same caution, but the advisory appeared to have gone unheeded.