Hyderabad, Oct. 13 -- An 81-foot-tall Durga idol has been attracting thousands of devotees ever since the Navratri celebrations started; however, its size is not the only thing setting it apart.

Made from grass, mud and water-based paints, the idol is designed to dissolve completely during immersion, keeping the focus on devotion without leaving behind the usual waste.

The idol is part of a Navratri celebration organised by Gulab Srinivas, founder and organiser of the event, who said the tradition began in 2001 with a five-foot idol. Now in its 27th year of celebrations, the event has grown considerably, with this year's idol measuring 81 feet, up from 72 feet last year.

Speaking to ANI, Srinivas said the celebrations draw a large numb...