Artisans Craft Giant Ganesh Idols in Khairatabad, Nagole and Vanasthalipuram

Artisans across Hyderabad are working round the clock to finish the city's largest Ganapathi idols ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, with major installations taking shape in Khairatabad, Nagole, and Vanasthalipuram.

At Khairatabad, marking the 72nd year of festivities, a 69-foot Panchamukha Sankar Harahara Ganapathi is being constructed. The five-faced form symbolises the balance of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. Mandal chairperson Singari Rajkumar noted that the five-metal composition represents peace and harmony.

The Khairatabad idol is being built using Rajasthani clay, rice husk, grass, jute powder, fine sand, and khadi cloth, finished with water-based colours. Chennai-based artist C Rajendran, who has contributed to the Khairatabad idol for nearly three decades, is leading the artistic team. The workforce includes artisans from Chennai and Odisha, workers from Adilabad, and welders from Machilipatnam. The idol will be immersed in Hussainsagar following the festivities.

In Nagole, preparations are underway for a 72-foot Ashta-Siddhi Ganapathi centred on the theme of prosperity and spiritual accomplishment. Constructed from bamboo, grass, and clay, the installation is approximately 70 percent complete. Artist Nagesh Kothakonda is leading a team of 21 artisans from West Bengal to complete the structure.

Sai Mudhiraj, president of the Nagole mandal, stated that the concept represents eight forms of spiritual accomplishment, and seven smaller idols will accompany the primary installation. The work in Nagole is slated for completion by September 10.

In Vanasthalipuram, organisers are preparing a 40-foot Lakshmi-Narasimha Ganapathi, portraying Ganesha in the form of Narasimha receiving blessings from Goddess Lakshmi. Around 30 workers, including 10 artisans from Kolkata, are constructing the eco-friendly idol with clay, natural materials, and water-based colours. The idol is undergoing its second mud coating, with three to four additional coats planned before its expected completion on September 10 or 11. The Vanasthalipuram celebrations will span 14 days, with organisers projecting roughly 10,000 visitors per day.