A pregnant woman, identified as Reshma from Rajasthan, went into labour while waiting in the queue for Khairatabad Ganesh darshan during heavy rains in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Fellow devotees quickly responded, assisting her to a nearby community hall where she delivered a healthy baby with their support.
Medical officials have confirmed the well-being of both mother and child. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, present for the ‘Toli Pooja’ ritual, lauded the devotees’ efforts and the sense of community displayed during the incident.
Devotion and Compassion Amid Chaos
Eyewitnesses recounted how, as Reshma’s labour pains began amidst the downpour, devotees sprang into action, forming a protective circle and guiding her to shelter. Local organisers and women present in the queue assisted with the delivery, ensuring privacy and comfort until she could be moved to the Khairatabad community health centre.
A Health Department spokesperson told the media, “The prompt action by devotees and volunteers ensured the safety of both mother and newborn. This is a shining example of humanity prevailing during adversity.”.
A Towering Tradition of Faith
The Khairatabad Ganesh festival, now in its 71st year, is celebrated as one of southern India’s most prominent Ganesh Chaturthi events, famed for its towering idol, 69 feet tall in 2025 and crafted over four months by more than 100 artisans. The tradition began in 1954 with a modest, one-foot idol established by freedom fighter Singari Shankaraiah, inspired by Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s vision of using Ganesh Chaturthi for community unity.
Over the decades, the idol’s increase in scale became a symbol of Hyderabad’s evolving society, with the celebrations drawing lakhs of visitors, fueling the local economy, supporting artisans, and upholding themes of art, environmental consciousness, and social harmony. Despite challenges like monsoon downpours and the sheer scale of the crowds, robust arrangements, emergency medical centres, extra police, and public announcements, ensure safety and facilitate the flow of festivities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
What unfolded at the Khairatabad pandal reminds us that faith communities can be powerful agents of compassion and mutual aid. Even as tradition drew crowds in celebration, strangers seamlessly prioritised human life over personal darshan. This episode stands as a testament to kindness, resilience, and the values of coexistence.
