Visakhapatnam: In the bustling town of Visakhapatnam, where tradition and politics intertwine, a group of Ganesh idol makers are hoping for big business with both assembly and Lok Sabha elections being round the corner.
The idol makers feel they will do good business this year, as majority of political leaders will organise Vinayaka Chaviti celebrations to attract masses. This will increase their sale of idols.
Vinod Sharma, a skilled artisan from Kolkata, shares with Deccan Chronicle his story of the intricate world of making Ganesh idols. He moved to Visakhapatnam from Kolkata in July and put up a small workshop at the Old Town in Visakhapatnam. He has with him 18 diligent hands who work in harmony, shaping clay, chiselling details, and breathing life into the idols.
Sharma says they craft around 200 idols every year, each moulded with authentic Calcutta Ganga clay mitti. This year they expect the sales to be much more. Their smaller idols, standing between 4–6 feet fetch around Rs 6,000, while the grand 9-foot masterpieces command prices ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000.
The master craftsman says the Ganga clay is renowned for its texture and finish. They make the idols sticking to the age-old traditions of their native land. As demand for their idols has surged due to the upcoming elections, the artisans are working tirelessly.
However, concerns have emerged from environmentalist J. Venkata Ratnam. Speaking to DC, he acknowledges the artisans' contribution to celebration of culture. But he stresses the potential harm caused by harmful colours and decoration materials, which have a detrimental effect on the environment.
Ratnam says if the demand for idols is met responsibly, their environmental impact could be minimised. He encouraged artisans and consumers alike to opt for eco-friendly materials and practices that respect balance within nature.
The environmentalist says they have been holding “Play Ganesha” campaigns for past 23 years to create awareness among public about championing the use of eco-friendly idols and sustainable celebrations. They will continue their efforts in raising awareness about celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi responsibly, Ratnam underlined.
