Bhubaneswar: The historic Badagada area of the City is gearing up for a grand Ganesh Puja celebration this year, with organisers planning a 65-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesha, which they claim will be among the tallest and most elaborate in Odisha.
The Bright Star Youth Association and Badagada Village Ganesh Puja Committee have made elaborate arrangements for the festival, which has grown significantly in scale over the years.
The towering idol, inspired by the iconic Lalbaug Ganesh tradition of Maharashtra, is expected to be a major attraction for devotees and visitors.
The idol will be adorned with several special attractions, including a diamond-studded crown, silver padukas and a silver mouse vehicle.
The silver ornaments and other accessories have been crafted by artisans from Kataka, while a specially woven and expensive garment for Lord Ganesha has been prepared by Sonepur-based weaver Bhagwan Meher.
The garment reportedly took more than a month to complete. The Badagada Ganesh Puja dates back to 1985, when the festival was first organised at a temporary puja pavilion in front of Badagada High School through the collective efforts of residents from different sahis, along with local teachers, women and youths.
The idol, which initially measured around five feet, gradually increased in height. A 35-foot idol was installed in 2018, followed by 40 feet in 2019, 50 feet in 2022, 55 feet in 2023, 57 feet in 2024 and 61 feet in 2025.
In a bid to make the festival more environmentally conscious, the organisers said natural colours will be used for the idol.
The idol is being made by sculptor Manoj Kumar Kandi of Jatani along with around 15 artisans, including craftsmen from Kolkata.
According to the organisers, natural materials and pigments, including turmeric-based yellow, red pigment and other natural powders, will be used for colouring the idol.
The clay for the massive idol has been brought from Trishulia in Kataka, as the expansion of urbanisation in Bhubaneswar has reduced the availability of suitable clay in the locality.
Bamboo and other materials have also been procured from Kataka. A special 65-kg laddu will also be prepared as an offering to Lord Ganesha.
Following the immersion ceremony, it will be distributed as prasad among devotees and local residents. A special prasad seva is also planned for around 10,000 devotees during the festival.
Due to the enormous size and weight of the main idol, it will not be transported to a temporary immersion pond.
Instead, the idol will undergo a symbolic immersion by sprinkling water at the designated location.
A series of cultural and musical programmes has also been planned throughout the festival, including a performance by Indian Idol winner from Odisha Jyotirmayee Nayak.