This Time, Here’s What’s Special About Khairatabad Ganapathi

Khairatabad is all set to witness the grand arrival of the 69 foot Panchamukha Sankatahara Mahaganapathi this Vinayaka Chavithi. The idol is being crafted in an eco-friendly manner using 30 tonnes of natural river clay sourced from Rajasthan, along with around 20 tonnes of sand available in Hyderabad. More than 150 artisans from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu are working on the massive idol.

The idol is being designed under the guidance of Odisha based clay artist Joga Rao, who has been associated with the Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Committee for the past five years. The deity will feature five faces and six arms, with a five headed serpent depicted as blessing Lord Ganesha. More than 25 tonnes of steel and steel mesh are being used for the internal structure, while over 70 bundles of dried paddy straw sourced from Yadadri are being layered over the framework to provide strength and stability.

More than 25 painters worked continuously for three days to give the idol its final finish. Water based and organic colours are being used instead of chemical paints to ensure that the idol remains environmentally friendly and dissolves easily during immersion. The construction work is now nearing completion, and the idol is expected to be ready for devotees to have darshan by September 12. The grand idol is set to combine spiritual splendour with a strong message of environmental protection.