89 feet eco-friendly Ganesha in Vizag's Gajuwaka to be highest idol in AP, Telangana

Amaravati: The state is in a festive mood ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. Two years after the Covid-19 pandemic, people are allowed to erect pandals in their colonies for the first time and the youth are on cloud nine, eager to celebrate the festival.

Andhra Pradesh this year will have the tallest Ganesha idol of 89 feet in the Gajuwaka area of Visakhapatnam district. This is said to be the highest idol in AP and Telangana.

No PoP idols, people prefer clay Ganesha

This year, many residential colonies and homes are saying no to plaster of paris (PoP) idols and are instead opting for clay Ganesha. Thanks to workshops conducted by several organisations, children are involved in making clay Ganesha idols.

With awareness among the citizens, many residents are choosing for clay Ganesha sold by local artisans. In the fight against PoP idols, some organisations and industries have distributed clay idols near vegetable markets. Some real estate firms have also joined the campaign for 'Green Ganesha'.

Selfie competition

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has announced a selfie competition to encourage the use of clay idols. The GVMC will give away prizes for the best selfies. GVMC commissioner G. Lakshmisha said the civic body is encouraging women self-help groups to set up stalls on RK Beach road and sell eco-friendly idols. The Vizag district administration with the support of a few other organisations is chalking out plans to ensure the availability of eco-friendly idols to mitigate the PoP idols menace.

Several organisers this year are planning theme-based Ganesha idols which came as a surprise for devotees. For the last two days, social media is flooded with photos and videos of pandals being erected in the state. AP citizens can now see Pushpa Ganesha, RRR Ganesha, Covid-19 Ganesha, Bhramastra Ganesha, and even cricket Ganesha.