As the city of Hyderabad gears up for the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, the iconic Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Samithi has unveiled the world’s tallest Ganesh idol. This year, the colossal idol, named Vishwa Shanti Maha Shakti Ganapati, stands at a staggering 69 feet tall, continuing a tradition of grandeur that began 71 years ago.
The construction of the towering idol began on June 6, 2025, on the auspicious day of Sarva Ekadasi. It is the centerpiece of one of the largest Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the world, a tradition that has drawn millions of devotees to the Khairatabad pandal since its inception in 1954 with a modest one-foot idol.
This year’s theme, “Vishwashanti,” or “World Peace,” reflects a message of harmony and tranquility. The organizers have also doubled down on their commitment to environmental sustainability. The idol is being crafted entirely from eco-friendly clay sourced from Gujarat, with water-based paints, a significant shift away from the harmful plaster of Paris used in previous years.
“We are committed to balancing the grandeur of our tradition with the responsibility to protect our environment,” said a committee member. “This year’s idol is a testament to that promise, and we are proud to present a fully eco-friendly creation to the public.”
The monumental statue is the result of months of tireless work by a team of over 200 artisans, welders, and clay workers from across India. It is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors daily throughout the 10-day festival before its final immersion.
