Telangana: Artisans Craft 69 Ft Khairatabad Bada Ganesh
Nearly 1,000 bags of river clay powder sourced from Rajasthan were used: Reports
HYDERABAD: Over two months of work by more than 100 artisans using nearly 1,000 bags of natural clay have gone into creating the 69‑foot Khairatabad Bada Ganesh, which will be unveiled as the Panchamukha Sankatahara Maha Ganapati as the city begins its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on Monday.
This year, the idol was completed in about two‑and‑a‑half months, compared to the usual three. The first puja was performed on June 25, after which the idol‑making began.
The construction starts with a steel and wooden framework covered with dried paddy straw, followed by layers of natural clay and sand to shape the idol. Around 150 artisans and workers from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu handled fabrication, structural work, clay moulding and painting.
Nearly 1,000 bags of river‑clay powder sourced from Rajasthan were used, mixed with local sand and water. A blend of sutli powder, sand and straw was applied to upper portions to prevent cracks, and water‑based colours were used for finishing.
Raj Kumar, chairman of the Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Samiti, said each stage involved specialised teams. “About 100 to 150 artisans work on the idol, apart from helpers. Some come from Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The clay mixture is prepared so the idol can withstand rain during the festival,” he said.
The Khairatabad Bada Ganesh marks its 72nd year. The tradition began in 1954 with a one‑foot idol and grew over decades, each year carrying a distinct message. This year’s 69‑foot Panchamukha Sankatahara Maha Ganapati will be the centre of attraction.
Thousands of devotees from Hyderabad and across Telangana are expected to visit during the festival. The TGSRTC has arranged special services for devotees travelling to Khairatabad. The towering idol stands as a testament to the skill and labour of artisans from several states and the effort behind creating a massive eco‑friendly clay sculpture.
