A DAY BEFORE THE FESTIVAL
This year's Khairatabad Ganesh idol in Hyderabad stands impressively at a towering height of 63 feet, showcasing a commitment to eco-friendliness by being crafted primarily from clay. The artisans utilized approximately 35 tonnes of clay sourced from Rajasthan and complemented it with approximately 20 tonnes of iron for structural support. The construction process involves the initial assembly of an iron framework, which is then carefully covered with mesh to secure the clay. To enhance the structural integrity, the clay is blended with sand, rice husk, and jute powder, forming a robust adhesive. Subsequently, tightly woven jute rope is employed to further fortify the structure, followed by the application of white cotton cloth to achieve the final form of the idol. This same clay is also employed for the ornamental finishing touches. The Ganesh pooja is scheduled for September 18, while the immersion ceremony of the idol is on September 28.
THE IDOLS
One day, I spotted this Ganesh idol godown in Nagaram. I mean, it just caught my eye, and the very next day, I decided to travel all the way from Madhapur to Nagaram which took me a solid two and a half hours by bus just to check out that place and take some shots of it. Rows and rows of Ganesh idols in various sizes, from the petite one-footers to these massive fifteen-foot giants. What's even more fascinating is that they craft these idols from both clay and Plaster of Paris (PoP), offering a diverse range of options to choose from. It's like a one-stop shop for Ganesh idols, and people just can't get enough of them!"
THE SHIPMENT
Selecting the ideal Ganesh idol is just the beginning of the exciting journey during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The next step involves getting the chosen idol safely home, and this part of the process offers two interesting options.
Firstly, for those who opt for larger and heavier idols, there's the option of availing the services of a crane. For an additional fee of 500 rupees, a crane can lift and load the idol onto trucks or tractors. This method is convenient and efficient, ensuring the idol's safety during transportation.
On the other hand, some folks prefer a more hands-on approach. They choose to carry their beloved Ganesh idols themselves, often with the help of family and friends. It's a more personal touch, and while it does require some effort and careful handling, it also comes with the advantage of saving some money.
You might even spot people fitting their Ganesh idols into car boots or strapping them onto bikes – a common practice during this festival. It's a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the devotees as they bring home their chosen idol, blending tradition, practicality, and community involvement in a special way.
THE KHAIRATABAD GANESH
This year, the Khairatbad Ganesh festival drew an enormous number of visitors, making it a standout event. The festivities kicked off with the Telangana governor Sri Tamilisai Soundararajan performing the first pooja, adding a touch of grandeur to the occasion. As the day progressed, the crowd at the Khairatabad Ganesh festival continued to grow, especially during the evening and late into the night. To handle this increase effectively, the organizers had set up two designated entry points. One entrance was located near Lakdikapul Sunshine Cinemas, while the other was situated at the Khairatabad Railway Gate. These entry points were strategically placed to make it easier for everyone to enter the festival grounds, even during the bustling night time hours.
Weekends saw an even larger influx of people, effectively doubling the crowd, and it became quite a challenge for the local police to manage the surging numbers. Fortunately, the festival committee rose to the occasion, ensuring the comfort and safety of attendees by supplying them with drinking water and setting up a readily available first aid center. Even when it rained, individuals braved the elements to seek the darshan of Lord Ganesh. An interesting trend was the prevalence of people taking selfies with the Ganesh idol, capturing cherished moments.
The strategic location of the Ganesh mandap, near both the MMTS station and metro station, made it easily accessible to a wider audience. On September 27th in the afternoon public viewing of the idol was halted to commence the nimmarjanam process, symbolizing the conclusion of the festival.
THE IDOLS OF HYDERABAD
On the 23rd of September, I started my journey through Hyderabad streets to explore some of its most renowned and cherished Ganesh idols. My first destination was Balapur Ganesh, this idol is known for its grandeur, size and obviously laddu. The Balapur Laddu, auctioned off during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival went for a whopping 27 lakh rupees. From Balapur, I made my way to Badangpet Ganesh. This idol, while rooted in age-old customs, also displayed creative interpretations that celebrated the festival's vibrant spirit. Bogulkunta Ka Raja was my next stop. The idol's intricate detailing and the heritage of its location added a unique dimension to my experience. Madhapur, with its modern and dynamic ambiance, offered a different perspective on Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Finally, my journey concluded at KPHB Phase 6 Ganesh mandap, where the community chose the Kedarnath temple theme to set up. The Ganesh Laddu from Keerthi Richmond Villas in Bandlaguda has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new record in its auction, fetching an astounding ₹1.26 crore.
On the 24th of September, a day filled with curiosity, I embarked on a quest to discover the most creative and renowned Ganesh idols that Hyderabad had to offer. My journey started from Abids on foot, where I strolled through bustling streets in search of these artistic marvels. From Abids, I made my way to Goshmahal, to witness "Goshmahal ka raja" Ganesh idol. Next on my itinerary was the historic Begumbazar, a place where tradition and innovation seamlessly coexist. The Ganesh idols here conveyed stories and messages through their unique designs, invoking a sense of wonder and admiration. The idol by Mali Mitra Mandal is so beautiful that people couldn't pass over the street without clicking a picture. As I continued my exploration, I found myself in the lively neighborhood of Afzalgunj. After a day filled with artistic delights and cultural immersion, I decided to conclude my Ganesh idol expedition with a culinary treat at the iconic Nawab Hotel. There, I savored the flavors of Hyderabad with a delicious plate of biryani and lassi as it was damn hot on that day.
NIMMARJANAM AT TANKBUND
The immersion of Ganesh idols in Hussain Sagar is truly something special. It's a time when people from all over the city come together, and you'd be surprised at the different ways they arrive – cars, auto-rickshaws, bikes, and all sorts of vehicles. The supportive staff and volunteers assist in ensuring a smooth and safe immersion process, which is super important, especially when you're dealing with such precious idols. GHMC has arranged cranes to make sure the immersion process for the larger idols is a breeze. But before the idols take their watery plunge, there's a beautiful moment when everyone gathers around for their final goodbyes.
Immersing the Ganesh idols during the sunset and the blue hour makes everything even more beautiful. As the sun goes down, the sky turns all warm and golden. People gather by the lake to say their final goodbyes to Lord Ganesh. And here's the magic part—the lake reflects the sky's colors, changing from bright sunset shades to soft, dreamy blues.
Seeing the Ambedkar statue while Ganesh's idols are put into the water is like a powerful image. It shows how different things in our society can work together and make our country stronger. It's a way of saying that we respect different ideas and cultures.
THE KHAIRATABAD GANESH SHOBYATRA
The Khairatabad Ganesh Nimmarjanam procession was a meticulously planned and beautifully executed event. It all began at 06:12 in the morning at the Khairatabad mandap with a traditional pooja to mark the start of the day's proceedings. The highlight was the shift of the idol onto the Tusker vehicle at midnight. Committee members spared no effort in adorning the Tusker, ensuring it was a sight to behold, with its splendid decorations. The procession officially commenced, and it took close to three hours to cover a distance of just 750 meters, making its way to the Telephone Bhavan. As the procession continued, it made its way to the Secretariat, eventually reaching Crane Number 4 at NTR Gardens by 11:35 AM. Around 12 noon, meticulous preparations continued as ropes were securely tied, and the last pooja was performed. The excitement among the crowd was palpable as they eagerly awaited the nimmarjanam, the culmination of this grand celebration. At approximately 01:30 in the afternoon, the idol was lifted and immersed into Hussain Sagar, resonating with the chants and cheers of the gathered crowd. Approx 1 lakh people were present at the NTR gardens to witness the iconic nimmarjanam.
On the flip side, it was an extremely hot day, with the sun beating down relentlessly, and a vast crowd had congregated at the shores of Hussain Sagar Lake. The scorching heat took its toll, and sadly, some people even fainted due to the sweltering conditions. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the event, opportunistic pickpockets took advantage of the large gathering, showcasing their unsavory skills. Shockingly, around 15 individuals had their mobile phones stolen, and one unfortunate woman lost her handbag, which contained precious items like gold, her mobile phone, and cash.
In the midst of this chaos, there were instances where children got separated from their families in the dense crowd. Fortunately, the police control room played a vital role in ensuring the safety of these children. Thanks to their swift response and coordination, all the missing kids were safely reunited with their relieved parents. While the day had its challenges, it also demonstrated the importance of community vigilance and the invaluable assistance provided by law enforcement in safeguarding public events like these.
POST NIMMARJANAM
After the nimmarjanam (immersion) ceremony, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) undertakes a significant task of managing the Ganesh idols. Pop (Plaster of Paris) idols are carefully removed from the lake, while clay idols are dissolved naturally, in line with eco-friendly practices. However, there's a challenge with Pop idols: they have an inner iron frame that doesn't dissolve.
To address this, the Pop idols are taken out of the water and undergo a process where they are gently separated from their iron frames. The iron frames, once detached, are then cut into smaller pieces and sent off to a scrap store. This thoughtful recycling effort not only ensures the responsible disposal of materials but also contributes to a significant environmental impact. GHMC estimates that they could recover an impressive 10 million tons of iron from this scrap, which speaks to their commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management.
Despite a court order from the High Court directing against the immersion of Pop idols in Tank Bund, it appears that officials proceeded with the immersion. This situation reflects a disregard for the court's instructions and potentially raises legal and environmental concerns. It's essential for authorities to adhere to court rulings to ensure the proper implementation of regulations and the protection of the environment.
The utterly senseless and reckless act of tossing pooja materials, wrapped in plastic covers during religious ceremonies into Tankbund or any water body is nothing short of stupidity.
Approximately 40,000 police officers, 10,000 Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) staff members, and personnel from the Disaster Response Force (DRF) were deployed for the immersion event.
