Hyderabad: Ganesh Idols above 15 feet have already been made awaiting painting. Many book idols much in advance especially at Dhoolpet and Keseera. The makers say more than 30 per cent have been booked. The state government and police are in dilemma with the Utsav Samiti refusing go by the suggestions on idol height by the High Court. Work on famous Khairatabad Ganesh which will be 58 feet high has begun.
Suresh Bhai, idol maker at Dhoolpet, said, “We have made idols of 15 feet plus. Bookings will begin from July. Even if the height is 15 feet, for the decoration, separate mukad will be made which will add another 5 feet to the idol. There are many inquiry calls for idols above 15 feet. We have not yet decided on rates of the idol”.
Another idol maker Ramesh Bhai from Rajasthan who set up a wholesale store at Keesara – ECIL said, “The height ranges from 10 to 25 feet. Based on the required height of the idol, additional setting like a crown are designed that will add to the height.”
Mr. Raj Kumar, member of the Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Samiti, added, “Over 50 per cent of the 58 feet idol is completed. It would be ready by August end. The committee has not yet decided on accepting the Tapes-waram Maha Laddu. The samiti does not have any problem in accepting the laddu from Tapeshwaram made by Suruchi food. However, the problem is distributing the prasadam. Presently the committee is chalking out plans on better ways of prasadam distribution.
The state government will hold another meeting with the peace committees and the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti for the final negotiation following the Hyderabad High Court suggestion that the state government should take steps to ensure that the height of the Ganesh idols to be installed at pandals shall not cross 15 feet.
