Vijayawada: Works relating to the environment-friendly clay idol of Siddhi Buddhi Vinayaka, measuring 72 feet, have begun at the Gantasala Venkateswara Rao College of Music and Dance at Durgapuram in Vijayawada on Sunday, in view of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi.
MP Kesineni Nani and MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao took part in the foundation stone ceremony, along with the residents and devotees, organised by the Doondi Ganesha Seva Samiti.
Over Rs 47 lakh would be spent to make the clay idol of Ganesh, explained G.S. Phani Raj, vice-president of the Samiti. The Bhaktanjaneya Sweets proprietor Ch. Srinubabu said they would offer a laddu to the Lord weighing 8,500 kg.
It was identified that clay in Velagaleru would be suitable to make the idol as it would not crumble or break easily compared to that available in other areas.
Artist K. Rajendran explained they would make the skeleton of the idol by using iron frame and then use a mix of cloth, iron mesh and grass on the skeleton. Then the idol would be made using clay. About 100 workers would be engaged to make the idol.
He said based on last year’s experience, they have sought some changes in the procedure involved in making the idol.
Mr. K. Satyanarayana, former president of the Samiti, said there were some irregularities in the records pertaining to making of the clay Ganesh idol.
