VISAKHAPATNAM: Even before the city police released the detailed information about the restrictions for setting up Ganesh idols in the city, the pandal organisers here are gearing up to erect huge idols to compete for the ‘tallest idol’ title.
Overjoyed over the achievement of getting the largest laddu at weighing over 8 tonnes and worth `16.5 lakh for their pandal, the Visakha Integrated Social Welfare Association (VISWA) at Gajuwaka is now claiming to set up the highest idol in the state of about 70 to 80 feet.
On the other hand, another Ganesh pandal committee, Maha Ganapathi Yuvajana Seva Sangam of MVP colony, are competing for the ‘tallest’ title and claim to set up a 110-foot tall idol. Interestingly, the makers of the two idols are from Anakapalle itself.
As many as 20 artisans have been working tirelessly since the last 40 days on the Lanka Grounds of Gajuwaka to make the Ganesh idol for VISWA. They say that they have been working for almost 18 hours a day, on shift basis, to bring out the idols on time. They said that it would take two days to complete only the painting works.
“The idol is three-faced and depicts the ‘Vishnumurthy Avatharam’. It is being made of clay and no plaster of paris (POP) is used. The paints, we use are also environmental-friendly. We brought two tractor-loads of clay from Bayyavaram of Yelamanchili mandal and almost 80 per cent of the idol has been completed,” said the lead idol-maker Yanamala Srinu.
K Naresh, committee member of VISWA, said they are aiming to erect the tallest idol in the state.
“We have already made a record of making the heaviest laddu,” he added. Naresh said that they were setting up separate ramps for VIPs and the general public.
Other small idols like the Mushikavahan and others are also being prepared to add to the attraction.
Meanwhile, another Ganesh pandal committee, Maha Ganapathi Yuvajana Sangam, is claiming that their idol is estimated to be 110-feet tall and would be erected on Alwar Das Grounds.
The idol is expected to be brought from the idol making workshop at Anakapalle to the venue on August 28, the organisers said.
Committee member of MGYS, Trimurthulu said, “About 30 artists are preparing the Ganesh idol depicting the ‘Vishnumurthy Avatharam’ since the last 45 days. The idol will be assembled after the parts are brought to the venue on August 28 evening”.
“The Ganesh idol will be of around 110 feet and after setting up the parts, we would announce the exact height officially.”
Trimurthulu also said that they have applied for the mandatory police permission and are expecting to get it soon.