The very mention of Khairatabad in Hyderabad reminds everyone of the towering Ganesh idol worshipped during 11-day colourful Vinayaka Chaviti every year.
But, artisans from Andhra Pradesh are playing a major role in carving out the 60-ft high idol that draws attention of lakhs of devotees. This time, the organisers are installing Sri Kailasa Viswarupa Maha Ganapati.
Artisans from Machilipatnam already did moulding works using 25 tonnes of steel while those from Kakinada are attending to the painting works to make the idol more attractive.
A team of moulders led by Sesha Reddy from Machilipatnam was among the teams which actively took part in completing works crucial for bringing the idol into a proper shape to carry out Plaster of Paris (PoP) works.
“We started our work on March 24 with the assistance of Mr. Sesha Reddy and his team. We brought the idol into an appropriate form using 27 tonnes of PoP,” said sculptor Chinna Swamy Rajendran who is leading the works.
Painting of the idol will commence on Tuesday (August 12).
A special team headed by Geethala Bheemeswara Reddy from Kakinada will complete the task by August 26. “We are using 12 varieties of light and dark colours to make the tallest idol look more eye-catching,” says Mr. Bheemeswara Reddy.
Over 20 people were assisting him in completing the work. “We are using metallic colours brought from Vijayawada to give final touches,” he says. The artisans will be getting Rs.500 to Rs.700 wage a day. Food and accommodation is provided by the festival organisers.
Apart from Khairatabad, these artisans have also agreed to do similar works on idols to be installed at Chappal Bazaar in Kacheguda and Dilsukhnagar.
“We will return to our native places on completion of the festival on the 11th day with the immersion of idols in Tank Bund,” he adds.
