Clay Ganesha up for grabs

While environmentalists and district administration are trying all methods to stress for eco-friendly idols, explaining the ill-effects of painted idols and its impact on the environment, the coloured idols still mark their presence in the markets luring the youth.

The various forms include one which sits on Saibaba, other on the lords official vehicle rat, natya Ganapathy and many more, available from one foot to 15 ft in height.

The potters (kumbaras), have been making clay idols irrespective of whether there is demand or not and displaying the same every year.

Manjula, resident of Hosahalli, speaking to the newspaper said it is a traditional profession and has been passed on since generations from her grandfather to her father.  She admits that though the demand for eco-friendly Ganesha is less, they make the idols on order.

She has received orders for about 15 idols so far this year, for which no colour will be used. Only clay will be used that facilitates speedy dissolving after immersion, Manjula said.

Employee of a private factory , she involves in this profession during the season. In this competitive profession where the idols of plaster of paris and painted ones are ruling the roost, some, like Manjula have been making eco-friendly idols to keep up with the tradition.