Mumbai, Sept 08: A 25-feet idol of Ganesha is vying for attention in Mumbai as part of the ongoing festivities. The 25-feet-high idol is called the Navratan (nine stones) Ganpati as it is studded with nine precious stones like diamonds, rubies, pearls, blue sapphires and emeralds.
The artisans have given the unique idol a look of Lord Krishna playing a flute.
The idol has been placed on a 5-feet-high pedestal. However, unlike other Gods where innovations in the image is considered sacrilegious, Ganesha, God of good luck and prosperity, can be depicted in any way.
"This year we have made this 25-feet- high idol studded with stones. Everyone makes idols during the festival but ours are different. Earlier we made it with American diamonds, german silver, glass. And last year, we made a idol using 125,000 pearls. So each year it is different," Nathuram, an artisan, said.
Elaborately ornamented idols are commissioned by different mandals (religious organisations) during the festival which compete with each other to attract maximum number of devotees. Idols of Ganesha are made for the festival in different materials costing up to 100,000 rupees.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birthday of god Ganesha, easily one of the best-loved Gods in the Hindu pantheon. Bureau Report