Idol makers yet to start work, fear loss ahead of Ganesh Utsav

Aurangabad, July 7:

The state government has announced strict rules for upcoming Ganeshotsav. The size of Sarvajanik Ganesh idol has been capped to 4 feet while the size of the household idols at 2 feet. The idol makers who had faced severe loss last year, now fear that more restrictions will further elevate their losses as the small size of idols had discouraged the sarvajanik ganesh mandals from installing the idols. Many idol makers are yet to start work.

As a precautionary measure against the delta variant, the state government has imposed restrictions in the entire state. The government also announced the rules for the Ganesh Utsav. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the city and Ganesh idols are erected in every house. However, the government allowed the installation of idols of up to 4 feet for Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals and up to 2 feet for household idols. Similar restrictions were in place for last year. The sculptors were hit the hardest as sarvajanik mandals who install large size idols had to install idols of only 4 feet high. As the size decreased, many mandals decided not to install idols and use the money for social causes. Similarly, the decorations, tableau, live performances and shows were canceled. This resulted in loss of crores of rupees during the festival. Giving more information, sculptor Suryakant Pawar said, “The idol makers are in a dilemma whether to make Ganesh idols or not as many sculptors and traders had suffered severe loss last year. The restrictions on sarvajanik Ganesh mandals have delivered a severe blow to our business. Hundreds of idols from last year are lying around. Hence the number of orders to Pen (Raigad) and Nashik for new idols have reduced by 60 per cent. New traders are afraid to step in the business. We hope that the state government will consider easing the restrictions for the festival.”

Raw material price increase

Sculptor Manoj Lohare said, the price of plaster of paris and clay (Shadu) have increased significantly. People are also turning away from using PoP idols. The market for eco-friendly idols has grown so are the prices of raw material. Price of a 10 kg PoP bag has grown by Rs 150-200 while the price of a clay bag rose by Rs 200-250. This will make the idols more costlier. People making idols at home is also affecting the business.