Hyderabad: With Ganesh Chaturthi around the corner, Hyderabad’s biggest Ganapathi idols are taking shape, as artisans work round the clock to complete towering structures that will become the centrepieces of celebrations across the city.Among the major idols this year are a 72-foot Ashta-Siddhi Ganapathi in Nagole, a 69-foot Panchamukha Ganapathi in Khairatabad and a 40-foot Lakshmi-Narasimha Ganapathi in Vanasthalipuram, each built around a distinct theme.At Khairatabad, the 72nd year of the celebrations will feature a 69-foot Panchamukha Sankar Harahara Ganapathi, symbolising the five elements, including earth, water, fire, air and space. “The five-faced form is intended to symbolise balance among these elements, with the five-metal composition representing peace and harmony,” said mandal chairperson Singari Rajkumar.The idol is being crafted from Rajasthani clay, rice husk, grass, jute powder, fine sand and khadi cloth, with water-based colours for the final finish. Chennai-based artist C Rajendran, who has worked on the Khairatabad idol for nearly three decades, is leading the artistic work. Artisans from Chennai and Odisha, workers from Adilabad and welders from Machilipatnam are part of the effort. The mandal said the idol will be immersed in Hussainsagar after the celebrations.In Nagole, the 72-foot Ashta-Siddhi Ganapathi is built around the theme of prosperity and spiritual accomplishment. Made of bamboo, grass and clay, the idol is around 70% complete, with finishing work underway. Artist Nagesh Kothakonda is leading a team of 21 artisans from West Bengal.“The Ashta-Siddhi concept represents eight forms of spiritual accomplishment and is associated with strength and fulfilment. Seven smaller idols will also be created as part of the main installation,” said Sai Mudhiraj, president of the mandal. The work is expected to be completed by Sept 10.Further south, Vanasthalipuram is preparing a 40-foot Lakshmi-Narasimha Ganapathi, depicting Ganesha in the form of Narasimha with Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. The theme centres on prosperity and the hope of wealth for devotees.The eco-friendly idol is being made with clay and other natural materials, with water-based colours planned for the finishing. Around 30 people, including 10 artisans from Kolkata, are working on it. The second mud coating is underway, with another three to four coats to follow. The idol is expected to be ready by Sept 10 or 11.Celebrations in Vanasthalipuram will continue for 14 days, with organisers expecting around 10,000 devotees a day.
