Hyderabad: Khairatabad Ganesh has a special place in the hearts of devotees, with people from not only the twin cities but also from other districts and states visit the Bada Ganesh every year.
For the 72-foot Khairatabad Bada Ganesh Shobha Yatra, a massive 26-tyre truck is used to transport the idol. Driving a vehicle carrying a 72-foot Ganesha requires utmost caution. The driver has to carefully navigate electrical wires, turns, traffic and massive crowds of devotees while ensuring the stability of the idol throughout the journey.
This year,Mandadi Venkat Reddy, a native of Mukkududevulapalli village in Atmakur (S) mandal, is the man behind the wheel of the tusker. Venkat Reddy has been working as a driver with Vijayawada STC Transport for the past 26 years.
He drove the vehicle for the first time in 2017 and also handled the immersion procession in 2020 and 2025. Expressing his gratitude, Venkat Reddy said he feels blessed to get the opportunity to drive the vehicle carrying Lord Ganesha for the fourth time.
The 26-tyre vehicle takes around six hours to cover a distance of approximately four kilometres, travelling at an average speed of just 0.67 kmph which is much slower than a person walking at a normal pace.
Venkat Reddy said he would not take a single penny for driving the vehicle. He said he takes up the responsibility out of his faith in Lord Ganesha and considers it a service to the deity.
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