Ganesh Chaturthi utsav: Standing tall, he will bless us all

HUBLI: This Ganesh Chaturthi, Hubli is all set to welcome a 25-ft Ganesha, the tallest ever idol of the Elephant God to adorn the streets of the city till date.
Popularly known as Hubli ka Raja (termed on the lines of Mumbai ka Raja – the Lalbagh Ganesha in Mumbai), the Dajibanpet Ganesha, who was 21-ft tall last year, has assumed a record height of 25-ft this year, weighing 150kg.
People from far-off places throng to Hubli to see beautiful Ganesha idols in different postures based on different themes and Dajibanpet Ganesha is the biggest crowd puller.
Artistes from Renadal village of Ichalkaranji of Maharastra are busy since the last three weeks preparing this year’s Hubli ka Raja, adopting the traditional method of using limestone, grass and POP. The tallest ever idol is in a sitting posture, extending blessings to devotees. “For the first time, we are making such a huge and tall Ganesh idol to be installed in Karnataka,” said artiste Ranjit Avale of Rendal village.
Shyam Pawar, president, Sarvajanik Gajanan Utsava Samiti, Dajibanpet, said, they have spent Rs 3.5 lakh for preparing the Ganesha idol and another Rs 1.5 lakh for decoration. The idol will be decorated with 20kg silver ornaments donated by the devotees, he added.
The organizers have requested HDMC authorities to make proper arrangements to immerse the tallest Ganesh idol by creating a big artificial well.