81-Foot Durga Idol in Hyderabad Draws Thousands of Devotees
A massive 81-foot Durga idol made of mud and grass is drawing 50,000 devotees daily in Hyderabad for Navratri.
A towering 81-foot-tall Durga idol has become the center of attention in Hyderabad, drawing crowds of thousands as Navratri celebrations unfold across the city. This massive installation is not just a marvel of scale but a breakthrough in sustainable worship, crafted entirely from natural materials to ensure an eco-friendly immersion.
A Monumental Feat of Art and Devotion
The idol, described by organizers as Sri Virat Vishwa Janani Durga Devi, is the result of months of intense labor. A specialized team of 28 artists traveled from Kolkata to work under the leadership of artist Nagesh, spending the last two months meticulously constructing the structure.
What makes this celebration truly unique is the composition of the idol. To prevent environmental pollution, the structure is made using:
- Grass
- Telangana mud
- Mud sourced from Kolkata
- Water-based paints
This specific combination ensures that the idol will dissolve completely during immersion, allowing the materials to return to the earth without leaving behind waste.
Decades of Tradition and Growing Scale
The event, organized by Gulab Srinivas, has seen significant growth since its inception. What began in 2001 as a modest five-foot idol has evolved over 27 years into a massive spectacle. The scale has increased steadily, growing from 72 feet last year to the current 81-foot height.
The religious significance of the installation is deeply rooted in traditions associated with Samakka, Sarakka, and Puri Jagannath Swamy. This spiritual depth, combined with the sheer size, attracts an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 devotees every single day.
Sentimental Traditions: The Sacred Saree
Beyond the visual spectacle, the festival holds deep personal meaning for many visitors. One of the most anticipated traditions involves the goddess's saree. Organizers hold lucky draws four times during the festivities, where winners are gifted the sacred garment.
“The Mother's saree has a lot of sentiment attached to it. Every year, winners return saying how things turned out well, and that is a major sentiment,” Srinivas noted. Even the mud remaining after the immersion is considered highly sacred by the faithful.
A Vision for Eco-Friendly Worship
The planned immersion is set for October 23. Unlike conventional idols that are transported to water bodies, this structure is designed to be immersed on-site. By pouring water over the idol, the structure will gradually melt and dry up, leaving no environmental footprint.
The organizers hope this initiative serves as a blueprint for religious festivities across India. The goal is to demonstrate that large-scale public celebrations can coexist with environmental responsibility, encouraging devotees to reduce pollution without compromising the sanctity of their worship.