14.5‑ft Rama Setu‑themed Ganesha Idol Shines in Hyderabad

Ganesh Chaturthi is in full swing across India, and this year artists have outdone themselves with creations that are as inventive as they are reverent. From towering sculptures to snack‑shell mosaics, the celebrations are a visual feast for devotees.

In the heart of Hyderabad’s historic Goshamahal area, a 14.5‑ft tall Ganesha idol has become the talk of the town. What makes it stand out isn’t just its height, but the story it tells – a tribute to Rama Setu, the legendary bridge Lord Rama built to rescue Sita. “We wanted the younger generation to see a slice of our mythology brought to life,” explains Aakash Agarwal, founder of the Balya Mandal that commissioned the idol. “It’s a reminder of our history, rendered in an eco‑friendly way.” Ten artists from Mumbai spent three months shaping the sculpture, ensuring every curve echoed the ancient bridge’s elegance.

The Hyderabad masterpiece is built on a framework of bamboo and paper, sidestepping the plaster and paint that often harm the environment. Agarwal added that the group has a long tradition of thematic idols – from Article 370 to other culturally resonant designs – and they continue to champion sustainability each year.

Meanwhile, half a thousand kilometres north in Pune, another artist has taken a completely different route. Prashant Salunkhe, along with a small team of artisans, fashioned a 13‑ft Ganesha using more than 21,000 discarded pani‑puri shells. “It took about 15 days, and we had to be meticulous about balance and moisture,” Salunkhe said. The shells, glued onto a bamboo‑paper skeleton, give the deity a crunchy, colorful texture that looks playful yet reverent. The challenge was keeping the idol stable in humid weather, but the result is a biodegradable, eye‑catching tribute to the beloved “Bappa.”

Both installations underscore a growing trend: festivals are becoming platforms for creative sustainability. As the days of chanting and prayers draw to a close, the idols will be taken for the traditional Ganesh Visarjan, returning to the waters they once emerged from – a poignant reminder that even grand celebrations can respect nature.