Saraf Sangha (jewellers' association) of Hubli will be installing a 120-kg silver idol of Ganesh during this Ganesh festival to mark the 53rd anniversary of the Sarafagatti Shri Ganeshotsava Mandal.
This will be third mandal in the city to install silver Ganesh idol.
President of the mandal, Shankar R. Niranjan, working president Govind R. Niranjan and other office-bearers, including Shrikanth Kari, Hiteshbhai Patadia and Dileep Telisra, told presspersons here on Thursday that the idol was crafted by Ram Bhau and his son Dileep in two months.
Mr. Niranjan said that around 300 jewellers in the city donated silver ranging from 101 gm to 5 kg for making the idol.
Two months
“Initially we wanted to get the idol made by a local artist. However, when our efforts failed, we approached Mr. Ram Bhau. Usually artists take up to six months to make such an idol, but Mr. Ram Bhau completed it within two months,” he said.
Mr. Niranjan said it was Sarafagatti mandal that first started public celebrations of Ganesh festival in Hubli in 1958.
Ramasa Tulajansa Niranjan and Kalappa Kamadolli were instrumental in establishing the mandal, which later became a model for others, he said.
Mr. Kari said that the silver idol had been modelled on the Mumbai's ‘Lal Bagh Ka Raja' and the pandal on a palace. “A sum of Rs. 3 lakh has been spent on the pandal, while Rs. 40 lakh has been spent on the idol, including Rs. 5 lakh for the artist.”
He said the mandal would make efforts to get a temple built for installing the idol. Already 12 guntas of land had been allotted to the sangha by the municipal administration for the purpose.
Mr. Niranjan said Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa had assured them that he would visit the mandal during the celebrations.
