Hyderabad Soaks In Festive Spirit

According to an estimate, around 1.4 lakh idols, each above five-feet in height, are being installed at the pandals. Besides, lakhs of Ganesh idols are being installed in homes, residential colonies, institutions, and apartments.

Makeshift shops have come up all across the city for selling idols, decorative and puja items. Parents accompanied by their children came out and bought idols on Tuesday evening.

Despite sudden change in weather and a few spells of rain, there was no disturbance to festival shopping and other arrangements.

Apart from Dhoolpet, where most idols are crafted, make-shift shops to sell idols were set up at Narayanguda, Chikkadpally, Koti, Sultan Bazaar, Dilsukhnagar, Nagole, Banjara Hills, and Ameerpet.

Following years of campaigning to promote eco-friendly clay idols, most people are seen asking for clay Ganesh idols, while also explaining their significance to their children.

Monda Market, Mir Alam Mandi, Mehdipatnam Rythu Bazaar, and Bowenpally Market were abuzz with festive sales for key items such as hibiscus and marigold flowers, sweets, incense sticks, camphor, coconuts, fruits, betel leaves, and nuts.

The 69-feet tall Khairatabad Bada Ganesh idol this year sports three faces and eight hands, sheltered under seven serpents. On one side stands the Vasavi Ammavari temple and on the other the Gajjalamma temple.

This mandap was first set up in 1954 with a one-foot idol. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most visited mandaps during the Ganesh festival. The idol here is made of clay and coloured with natural dyes.

The organisers have invited Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and other ministers for the puja. All arrangements have been completed as lakhs of devotees are expected to visit.