20-07-2025
Gajuwaka gears up for Vinayaka Chaviti with eco-friendly, record-setting Ganesh idol made from one lakh sarees
As Vinayaka Chaviti approaches, Gajuwaka—the industrial heart of Visakhapatnam, also known as the 'City of Destiny'—is once again in the limelight for its record-setting Ganesh festivities. This year, the spotlight is on a groundbreaking eco-friendly creation: 'Sri Sundara Vastra Maha Ganesha', a massive idol crafted entirely from one lakh sarees, with no clay involved.
The idol, conceptualized by SV Entertainments, will be supported by a bamboo frame and adorned with sarees collected from across India, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Surat. The 'Namuna' (model) was officially unveiled on Sunday by Andhra Pradesh TDP president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao, who lauded the creativity and urged for proper arrangements to accommodate devotees.
'This is the first time in the country that a Ganesh idol is being created solely from sarees,' said Kosireddi Ganesh of SV Entertainments. 'It's not only a proud moment for Gajuwaka but also a big step toward eco-friendly celebration.'
Gajuwaka has earned renown for its towering and innovative Ganesh idols. SV Entertainments holds the record for the tallest so far—a 117-foot standing idol. This year's creation, depicting Lord Ganesha in a sitting posture, is expected to exceed 90 feet in height, with the final figure to be revealed closer to the festival.
Flanking the main idol will be two divine representations: Sri Lakshmi Narayana to the left, and Lord Sri Krishna in water to the right. The idol is being sculpted under the supervision of G. Srikanth, a renowned artist from Chirala, who leads a team of 25 artisans. Around 40% of the work has already been completed. 'In Andhra, Mr. Srikanth is the go-to artist for unique idol concepts,' said Mr. Ganesh.
As per tradition, a 'Maha Laddu' from Tapeswaram will be offered to the deity during the celebrations. With this latest initiative, Gajuwaka strengthens its stature as a major destination for grand Ganesh festivities, rivaling the famous Khairatabad idol in Telangana.
