Enthusiasm up as countdown for Vinayaka festivities begins

Visakhapatnam: Ganesh Utsav committees in Visakhapatnam have started gearing up for the annual Vinayaka Chaturthi festivities that are set to begin with the formal pooja on Saturday, September 7.

Gajuwaka Utsav committee is readying to take centre stage in the port city by putting up a massive 125-foot idol of Lord Ganesha, surpassing last year's 117-foot structure.

Committee chairman Ganesh said this year, they will be putting up the Uchchhishta Ganapati in a majestic sitting position. With the location of their causing large scale traffic jams last year, Gajuwaka Utsav committee has decided to shift the idol from the usual Lanka Ground to a new site near Varun Motors.

There are several other groups that are planning to display their idols in a unique manner and setting. The team that built last year's Chocolate Ganesha is preparing a two-foot statue this year with pebbles left over after making the statues of Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita in Ayodhya.

Committee member Kanaka Raju said this year's theme for their statue will be an Ayodhya-inspired set. The idol will be gifted to a temple after the festivities are over. A giant laddu weighing over 100 kilograms will be on display along with the idol.

The Dondaparthi committee, known for its elaborate displays, is keeping details of its idol under wraps, although a member hinted that it will be smaller than last year's 108-foot statue. However, they will be increasing the weight of their laddu from 108 kilograms to 120 kilograms this year.

Seasoned idol maker Harish Ketha of Pedda Waltair is concerned over dwindling sales. He sold almost all of the 191 idols he made in 2022 and 132 out of 160 idols in 2023. He has made idols famed for their detailed patterns, ranging in height from four feet to 13 feet and costing between ₹11,000 and ₹75,000. Ketha is hoping sales will pick up as the pooja day nears.

Significantly, the popularity of eco-friendly idols made from biodegradable materials is rising, which is affecting the sales of traditional idol makers like Ketha. Many are also opting for DIY (do-it yourself) kits, using which households can make their own idols at home.