Hyderabad: Khairatabad Ganesh idol to be 27-feet this year

The Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Committee has decided to set up 27-feet Ganesh idol this year considering the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Khairatabad Ganesh can be seen in Dhanvantari model. No devotees will be allowed to have the darshan of Lord Ganesh this year due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation. However, online darshan will be permitted.

The committee said that they have decided to set up Dhanvantari model following demand from the devotees and considering the current crisis seeking the deity for a vaccine for COVID-19.

People worship Dhanvanatari (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) for good health on Dhanteras or Dhanwantari Trayodashi as he is born with ambrosia in one hand and Ayurveda in the other hand. Shilpi Rajender who has been making the giant Ganesh will also prepare the 27-feet idol this year as well. The clay to prepare the idol is being brought from Gujarat.

Going against the regular practice, the Ganesh idol will not be immersed in Hussain Sagar this year and will be dissolved at the same place by performing abhishekham, the committee said. This year, the Ganesh festival is scheduled on August 22.