Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Eco-Friendly Vinayaka Idols Reach 1,000 Devotee Groups Across Tirupati Region
Surendra Kumar Reddy gives Vinayaka idols to village groups for free.
He has continued this tradition since 1996.
This year, he gave more than 1,000 idols.
The groups came from areas around Tirupati, Srikalahasti, and Venkatagiri.
Many of the recipients are from economically weaker communities.
Reddy pays the full cost of making the idols himself.
He began the effort by selling a gold ring to pay for five idols.
Groups register early so their idols can be prepared in time.
Surendra Kumar Reddy distributed more than 1,000 custom-made Vinayaka idols free of charge on Saturday.
The idols went to youth and devotee groups from economically weaker sections across Tirupati, Srikalahasti, and Venkatagiri rural areas.
Reddy has personally funded the initiative every Vinayaka Chaviti since 1996.
The programme began with five idols funded by the sale of Reddy’s gold ring, according to MLC Cipai Subramanyam.
Village groups register their requirements a month ahead so the idols can be custom-made.
- Who
- Surendra Kumar Reddy distributed the idols, with several local leaders attending the event.
- What
- More than 1,000 custom-made Vinayaka idols were distributed free of charge.
- When
- The distribution took place on Saturday; Reddy has run the initiative every Vinayaka Chaviti since 1996.
- Where
- The idols were given to groups representing villages across Tirupati, Srikalahasti, and Venkatagiri rural areas.
- Why
- The initiative helps economically weaker communities celebrate Vinayaka Chaviti.
- Idols distributed
- More than 1,000
- Cost
- Personally funded by Surendra Kumar Reddy
- Tradition began
- 1996
- First distribution
- Five idols, funded by selling a gold ring
- Recipients
- Youth and devotee groups from economically weaker sections
- Registration
- Village groups register their requirements one month in advance
- Covered areas
- Tirupati, Srikalahasti, and Venkatagiri rural areas