Bapatla Family Carries Forward 30-Year Tradition of Ganesh Idol Making
Despite being graduates, several family members have chosen to continue the traditional craft over conventional careers.
Bapatla: As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, artisan Vijay Kumar is busy giving final touches to Ganesh idols at his family's workshop in coastal Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh. Along with his brothers and fellow artisans, Vijay is working round the clock to complete orders ahead of the festival. The family has been making Ganesh idols for nearly three decades.
Despite being graduates, several family members have chosen to continue the traditional craft over conventional careers."We have been making Ganesh idols in Bapatla for the past 30 years. People have been supporting us. The work is going well. I am providing employment to 10 people. We started working three months ago," said Vijay Kumar, Artisan.
His brother Ajay Kumar, a B.Com graduate, said he is proud to carry forward the family profession. "I studied B.Com. I am continuing our family profession. It also provides employment opportunities," he said.
The family says their focus is on making idols that are affordable for everyone."We have made 110 idols so far, of which 30 have already been booked. People are coming to buy the idols. We sell them at affordable prices to people across Andhra Pradesh," said Vardhan Rao, another artisan in the family who studied B.Com and Computers. With less than a month left for Ganesh Chaturthi, the workshop is buzzing with activity to meet the rising demand from across the state.