Hyderabad: The famous Khairatabad Ganesha idol will be 70 feet tall this year, up from last year’s 63 feet tall idol. Continuing its commitment to environmental conservation, the idol will be prepared using organic colours and clay materials. “This year we are also holding Bala Ramudu just like Ayodhya. It will have Srinivasa Kalyanam and Shiva Parvatula Kalyanam,” said Singari Raj Kumar, chief organiser of the committee.
The theme of this year’s idol is Sri Saptamukh Mahashakti Ganapati. The construction of the idol is estimated to cost Rs 80 to 90 lakh. Given the grand celebrations planned for the 70th anniversary, the expenditure may exceed the initial estimate. Around 150 dedicated workers from Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are working diligently to complete the construction of the idol three to four days before the festivities begin. Since its inception in 1954 with a simple one-foot idol, the Khairatabad Ganesh has garnered a significant following, attracting devotees from across the country every year.