Four thousand kg laddu, 40 feet agarbathi
HYDERABAD: With the coming of the Ganesha festival, size does matter. And for devout Hyderabadis, the Khairatabad Ganesha is the cynosure for all eyes. This time too, the popular pandal in the heart of the city has many attractions to offer.
A 4,000-kg laddu and a 40 feet Agarbathi will be the main attractions at Khairathabad this year. The Lord of Obstacles has also gone cyber-savvy.
The devotees can update themselves about the preparations and the day-to-day programmes, thanks to a newly created Facebook group page.
The city-based Padmashali Sangham is also planning to shower flowers on Ganesh idol from a helicopter. It has sought the government's permission for this. The devotees can also witness the pooja online by visiting the Website: Ganapathideva.org, during the festival period.
The work is in full swing at Khairatabad where a 59-feet Ganesha idol will be installed. The uniqueness of this year is the 'Gonaga Chathurmukha Vinayaka' Avathaar, holding 4,000 Kg laddu in standing posture.
The Sangham will also present a 75-feet long sacred thread and other costumes while Ambica and Cycle brand Agarbathi companies would present a 40-feet Agarbathi to the Lord.
The Idol artist Chinnaswamy Rajender said that Ganesha will appear in standing position while 'Sri Ramapattabhishekam' and Goddess'Bhuvaneshwari' would be seen on either sides.
For the last 20 years, Rajender is associated with Khairathabad Ganesh as an artist. Ganesh Utsava Samithi (GUS) chairman and founder S. Sudhershan Mudiraj informed that the size of the idol would remain the same as last year.
'If the size is increased, it will become difficult to install and also pose problems during the immersion day. The Khairatabad pandal is
only 22 feet wide,' he said.So far, Rs 30 lakhs has been spent on making the idol and another Rs 20 lakhs would be required to complete the works, Sudhershan said.
The production cost has gone up due to increase in the prices of raw-materials like steel, iron, plaster of Paris, Rajasthani clay, jute and Fevicol.
Even labour charges have also shot up compared to last year. At present, over 100 workers were engaged in the idol making and another 50 more will join in due course.
News Posted: 3 September, 2013
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