Hyderabad: The green drive conducted by GHMC to encourage the use of eco-friendly clay Ganeshas has an unlikely obstacle: Inherent nature of clay idols to develop cracks. While the hairline cracks in clay idols may go unnoticed to a majority, a section of traditionalists may consider such idols unfit for performing pooja.
“We have been using clay Ganesha idols for the last two years following the call for shunning idols made of harmful POP (Plaster of Paris). This year, however, we have found many idols with imperfections or cracks. Since idols with imperfections or cracks are not considered fit for pooja, it took us a long time to find the perfect idol,” said R. Aparna, a resident of Uppal.
Experts say clay idols are at risk of developing cracks because of evaporation and shrinkage during the drying process. While there are ways to create idols without cracks, it requires some patience and technique. However, artisans may not have time to make such idols when they are producing idols in such large scale. Also, the low prices that such clay idols fetch in the market act as a deterrent to the idol makers who do not find it cost-effective.
“The clay idols often begin to crack due to the heat. The cracks can be avoided by hydrating the idols. I suggest wet towels be placed in intervals upon the idols to ensure there is some amount of hydration. This eradicates the problems of cracks,” said Deepa Shailendra, an idol maker.
Chilkur Balaji temple priest Ranga Rao has another solution. “Clay idols sometimes do develop cracks. However, the best solution is to reapply clay paste and perform the pooja. There won’t be any issue in applying clay to the idol as per religious principles.”
