Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 26 : Hyderabad's iconic Khairatabad Ganesh idol will once again captivate devotees as it celebrates its 71st year on Tuesday, themed "Vishwashanti," meaning world peace.
Raj Kumar, Chairman of the Ganesh Utsav Committee, said the tradition began in 1954 when freedom fighter Shankaraiah installed a one-foot idol. This year, the idol measures 69 feet.
Addressing reporters, Kumar said, "This year, the idol stands tall at an impressive 69 feet. The celebrations will begin tomorrow morning with the first Pooja ceremony, which will be performed by the Governor, accompanied by Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Ganesh Utsav Committee President Danam Nagender, and other dignitaries. The main Pooja is scheduled for 10 am."
The theme for this year's celebrations is "Vishwashanti," inspired by Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam Attack. The theme aims to spread happiness and peace across the world.
The committee has made elaborate arrangements for the celebrations, ensuring a smooth and joyous experience for devotees. With its rich history and cultural significance, the Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav continues to be a cherished tradition for the city's residents.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the first look of Mumbai's famous Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled, days ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Crafted with unmatched artistry, Lalbaugcha Raja was not merely an idol; it stood as a symbol of collective faith, artistic mastery, and the vibrant spirit of Mumbai.
Every year, millions of devotees visited for darshan. The unveiling of the Lalbaugcha Raja, the iconic Ganesh idol, was also one of the main attractions of the festival.
The history of the Lalbaugcha Raja was well known, as it was the popular Ganesh idol of Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, located at Putlabai Chawl, a worship place founded in 1934.
The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol had been taken care of by the Kambli family for over eight decades. Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival that began on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month 'Bhadrapada', started on August 27 that year. This auspicious ten-day festival began with 'Chaturthi' and ended on 'Anantha Chaturdashi'.
The festive period was also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayak Chavithi'. The festival celebrated Ganesha as the 'God of New Beginnings' and the 'Remover of Obstacles' as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival, began on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of 'Bhadrapada'. That year, the festival commenced on August 27 and culminated on 'Anantha Chaturdashi'.