Hyderabad: Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) will lead a grand Hanuman Jayanthi procession through Hyderabad’s Old City tomorrow, with police already covering mosques along the route to ensure peaceful celebrations.
The yatra, flagged off by senior VHP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar at 9 AM from Hanuman Vyayamshala in Sultan Bazaar, will cover 7 km before concluding at Sitarampagh Temple in Mangalhat. Organisers expect over two lakh participants carrying saffron flags and chanting Hanuman Chalisa. Heavy security deployment includes 5,000 personnel, mounted police, and drone surveillance following last week’s Ram Navami tensions.
VHP state coordinator Ramchander Rao told reporters the event celebrates Hanuman’s birth anniversary with devotion, not politics. “This is purely religious—no swords, no provocative slogans. Police permission covers approved routes,” he assured. Bajrang Dal activists underwent training to maintain discipline after recent controversies involving MLA T Raja Singh’s rally.
Police Commissioner K Suresh Reddy confirmed elaborate precautions. “Mosques and dargahs along Mangalhat, Jambagh, and Chatta Bazaar routes are draped in green cloth. CRPF rapid action teams stand ready,” he said. Pre-event peace committee meetings with community leaders yielded cooperation pledges.
Local residents express cautious optimism. “Police presence reassures us. Last week’s covering worked fine,” said shopkeeper Mohammed Iqbal from Sultan Bazaar. Hindu devotee Sunita Devi added, “We want to pray peacefully—Hanuman ji teaches strength through devotion.”
The timing follows Raja Singh’s Ram Navami procession that drew criticism for inflammatory speeches and weapons display. Courts have mandated strict route adherence and no hate speech. Traffic diversions begin at 7 AM affecting key Old City roads.
Community watchers note heightened vigilance. “Proactive draping prevents flashpoints while respecting sentiments. Both sides seek calm,” said social activist Father Thomas from Hyderabad Catholic Association.
Organisers plan cultural programs post-yatra featuring bhajans and prasadam distribution. No political leaders invited, though BJP workers participate as devotees.
Hyderabad’s back-to-back religious mega-events test the city’s renowned communal harmony, with security measures underscoring the stakes for peaceful coexistence.
