Hyderabad: Hyderabad is preparing for the Ganesha Chaturthi on August 27, with idol-makers racing to finish mammoth creations, wholesalers opening bookings, and organisers busy erecting pandals and decorations in anticipation of the city’s grandest festival.In well-known idol-making hubs across the city, cranes are already in operation to transport large idols. Several wholesalers, many of whom have sheds along the Outer Ring Road, are preparing for deliveries. Sanjay Kumar from Hayathnagar, a wholesaler for over a decade. brings idols from other states and hires local artists. “This year, bookings have already begun, and we hope sales will be much better,” he said. “We have idols ranging from three feet to 15 feet tall, priced between ₹6,000 and ₹50,000, depending on craftsmanship and the buyer’s negotiating skills.” In Dhoolpet, a renowned hub for idol-making, popular artisan Lakshmi Narayan Singh Kalakar is working on several striking pieces. Among the most eye-catching is an ensemble of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Goddess Sita, and Lord Hanuman with Lord Ganesha. “We are making 40 big idols, each around 20 feet tall. One of our major works this year is a Mahakaal Jyotirling concept, featuring a third eye with mechanical movement,” he explained. The competition among organisers to put up the best pandal is intense. Areas with the highest concentration of pandals include Charminar, Begum Bazaar, Bazaar Ghat, Hanuman Tekdi, Sultan Bazaar, Kachiguda, Chikkadpally, Chappal Bazaar, Ramnagar, Chintal Basti, and Himayatnagar. The famous Khairatabad Ganesh idol, one of the largest and most celebrated in the state, is also taking shape. Organisers there are overseeing intricate arrangements, including coordination with various government agencies, to ensure a smooth and grand celebration.
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