Hyderabad: 57ft Lord Ganesh idol to be installed in Khairatabad
What's the story
During the Vinayaka Chavithi festival this year, Lord Ganesh's idol to be installed at the famous Khairatabad pandal (considered to be tallest in the country) in Hyderabad for worship would be 57ft tall. The event is organized by Sri Ganesh Utsav Committee, which was founded by freedom fighter S Sankarayya in 1954. Sankarayya's brother Sudarshan has been continuing the tradition of Ganesh puja.
Idol theme
Idol prepared as per theme to have 7-heads this year
Thousands of devotees visit the 11 day-event of Ganesh Utsav. On the 11th day, the huge Ganesh idol is immersed in Hussain Sagar lake with the help of large cranes. Every year, the idol is prepared as per a particular spiritual theme. The idol this year would be called "Sri Sapthamukha Kala Sarpa Maha Ganapathi" with the idol having seven heads, Sudarshan said.
Idol making
Idol to be prepared with PoP without chemicals
The theme is selected as per the advice of religious scholars that it would bring good rains and prosperity for the country. Reportedly, this year's idol is being prepared with Plaster of Paris (PoP) without chemicals as against clay idol as it may not withstand rainfall and the garlands thrown at it, Sudarshan added. This year, Vinayaka Chavithi would be celebrated on September 13.