Bengalureans to make DIY Ganesha this year

After two years of simpler Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations due to the pandemic, the city is gearing up for grand celebrations this year. As has been the tradition, many are organising Ganesha festivals at home while the Ganesha pandals are also back in action.

Interestingly, a trend of ‘Do it yourself’ (DIY), making Ganesha idols at home is catching up.

Swetha S, a homemaker said, “Ganesha festival is one of the most popular festivals in the City. It has been a tradition for a long time to buy idols from outside and then do the pooja. However, this time, I have decided to make my idol. I went to a pottery town to buy clay. A kg of clay is being sold for Rs 30 per kilogram. I bought two KGs of clay and then made my idol. I am thrilled to take part in the Ganesha festival this time as I have made the idol with my own hands.”

The trend has become a fun and engaging activity for many. Ramya R, a techie said, “My kids loved making the idols. There were many attempts before we could make a nice idol. So, now we will be offering pooja to the idol made at home.”

Many have switched to DIY Ganesha’s as they are more environmentally friendly.

“Authorities have been pressuring eco-friendly items. Even I feel that we should discourage oil painting or plaster of paris idols as they are harmful to nature. So, the clay idols made at home can be a great game changer. There are several tutorial videos available on YouTube which helped us to make Ganesha idols at home,” a resident said. Many planted a seed inside the idol as they believe that after immersion in a tank or a pot, the seed can sprout and the idol can give rise to a plant as well.

Business picks up pace

After two years the idol makers are seeing a rise in business though the pre-covid level is yet to be reached. “The business was bad as there were restrictions for public Ganeshotsav for the last two years. However, this year, we are seeing a brisk business. This is one of the few days in the year when we see big business”, said S Mani, an idol seller near Mavalli.

Meanwhile, sellers say that inflation has caught up with the prices. For example, at a few shops, a three-feet tall Ganesha idol was quoted for Rs 2,500 and a nine-feet idol for Rs 22,000.

Dos and don’ts

The city police have issued the organisers a list of dos and don’ts. “One of the organisers should be present at the place where the Ganesha idol is placed for 24 hours a day to ensure that no untoward incidents take place. There should be an adequate arrangement of fire extinguishing materials. Do not keep kerosene appliances or firewood near the pandals. An electrician should be available at the Ganesha pandals. The organisers should have barricades in place for controlling the crowd. There should be no laser projection of any kind. Organizers have been asked to issue identity cards, badges, t-shirts, said the circular.