25,000 students make Guntur world record holder with ‘Green Ganesh’

Students of Sri Bhavana Vidya Niketan making clay idols of Ganesha during a workshop organized by Green Climate Team in Visakhapatnam. File. | Photo credit: IN PARADISE

Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) on Friday (September 11, 2026) entered the World Book of Records in London after 25,000 students from 55 schools simultaneously made eco-friendly clay idols of Ganesha under its Green Ganesh programme.

Organized under Nava Guntur initiative, the event was centrally monitored at NTR Stadium where GMC Commissioner K. Mayur Ashok, MLAs Galla Madhavi, Naseer Ahmed and Boorla Ramanjaneyulu, Andhra Pradesh State Technology Services (APTS) Chairman Mannava Mohan Krishna and others participated.

World Book of Records, London, Joint Secretary Eliaz officially announced the record and presented the certificate of registration. He said the previous record involved 8,750 participants making clay idols, while the Guntur initiative set a new benchmark when 25,000 students participated simultaneously.

Mr. Ashok said the aim of the program is to create awareness among children about celebrating holidays while protecting the environment. He said the 25,000 clay idols will help keep Parisian and chemically colored idols away from so many families.

Special attractions included a sand idol of Ganesha, a clay idol and a painting displayed in the stadium.

The Commissioner congratulated the educational institutions and officials of the GMC and Education Department for the success of the programme. He said the civic body would continue environmental initiatives with public participation, including tree planting and enforcement of single-use plastics.

Published – 12 Sep 2026 09:03 IST