Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s tallest Ganesh idol began its journey—Shobhayatra—this morning for immersion in the Hussain Sagar Lake early Tuesday, a significant event in the annual immersion procession that symbolises the return of Lord Ganesha to his celestial abode.
The 70-foot-tall idol was being carried on a special Tusker vehicle to the lake, the focal point of the annual immersion procession.
Saptamukha Mahaganapati Shobayatra began from Khairatabad early in the morning after the final puja, and the idol will likely be immersed by the afternoon.
Popular as Khairatabad Ganesh, it is considered one of the tallest Ganesh idols in the country.
A giant crane, a symbol of modernity, gently placed the eco-friendly idol on a Tusker vehicle, a nod to tradition. A large number of devotees, their faces aglow with faith and joy, participated in the Shobayatra, creating a festive atmosphere that resonated with the spiritual significance of the event.
The Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Committee, in a display of meticulous planning and coordination, worked closely with the police and other departments to ensure the smooth shifting of the idol for immersion, instilling a sense of order and control in the proceedings.
After the last puja, around midnight, the workers started moving the idol from the platform to the Tusker vehicle. Shifting and installing the idol on the specially designed vehicle took nearly six hours.
Hundreds of people participated in the procession, which covered about two kilometres to reach NTR Marg via Telephone Bhavan and Secretariat.
Authorities have made special arrangements for the immersion of Khairatabad Ganesh by installing a heavy crane.
The transport and immersion of Khairatabad Ganesh are enormous tasks for all, including the police, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and other departments that make special efforts.
Thousands of devotees performed puja at Khairatabad Ganesh for 10 days. According to the organisers, about 3 lakh devotees had darshan alone on Sunday (September 15).
Khairatabad Ganesh, a cultural icon with a history of nearly 70 years, has been a part of the city’s fabric since 1954. The organisers, in a testament to their commitment, installed a one-foot idol for the first time, and since then, the height has increased by one foot every year, preserving the city’s cultural heritage. This rich history adds depth and significance to the event.
The organisers installed a one-foot idol only during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, though they were planning a 66-foot idol.
Khairatabad Ganesh is a major attraction of the city’s annual celebrations. The state governor, Chief Minister, ministers, and other VIPs perform puja on this idol every year.
Besides, the organisers install the statue with a new theme and avatar each year. This year, the theme was ‘Saptamukha Mahaganapati’, a unique representation of Lord Ganesha with seven faces, each symbolising a different aspect of the deity’s personality.
Chinnaswamy Rajendran, a Chennai-based sculptor, sculpted the idol with the assistance of a 150-member team of artisans.
The idol, a magnificent creation, measures 28 feet in width and is made of 35,000 kg of clay, 25 tonnes of iron, and other materials. This impressive use of materials showcases the dedication and craftsmanship of the artisans.
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–IANS
