Hyderabad’s Ganesh puja: Big on devotion, bigger on moolah
From flower showers and sound systems to giant cranes and record-breaking laddu auctions, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Hyderabad sets money flowing across a vast network of businesses, workers and public agencies. The trail runs from the costs borne by organisers to the contracts, livelihoods and public expenditure that sustain the 10-day festival, from the first preparations to the final…
On September 24, a helicopter adorned with flowers floated above a Ganesh idol as it journeyed towards Hussainsagar. This aerial display, orchestrated by the Hanuman Youth Association, added a touch of grandeur to the festivities but came with a hefty price tag. Behind the spectacle lies a bustling industry, with numerous workers and service providers finding employment during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
From idol-makers to crane companies, the festival's economic impact is substantial. The Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi estimates that the festival generates ₹6,000 crore to ₹7,000 crore in economic activity for Hyderabad. Around 1.24 lakh Ganesh idols were registered under the state's Ganesh portal this year, with the actual number potentially ranging from 3.5 lakh to 4 lakh across Telangana.
Organisers rely on donations, sponsorships, and sponsorships to fund the elaborate celebrations, with expenditures varying from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs. The Balapur Ganesh Utsava Samithi spent around ₹98 lakh last year on their grand festival, covering the idol, workers, flowers, decoration, and pandal arrangements.
The immersion procession adds to these costs, creating additional opportunities for transporters, sound operators, and other service providers.
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