Eco-friendly clay idols of Lord Ganapati in demand in Andhra’s Srikakulam – News18

In Hinduism, people worship idols of gods and pray to them. Idol worship is given great importance in the religion. The idols of gods and goddesses are made using plaster or cement. People are now resorting to eco-friendly methods to make idols of gods and goddesses. Since Ganesh Chaturthi is only two months away, the sale of idols of Lord Ganesha is set to increase. People are bringing the idols into their homes. Generally, Ganesh murtis made of plaster are immersed in water after Ganesh Chaturthi, which is harmful to the water bodies. Many people are therefore using eco-friendly idols during Ganesh Chaturthi.

People are encouraged to use idols made of clay and earth for the sake of the environment. One such person who makes idols with clay is Padmavati. She has been making clay idols for the past 20 years near the Ayyappa Swamy temple at Balaga Mettu in Srikakulam town of Andhra Pradesh. Speaking to Local18, Padmavati said that she learnt the art of making clay idols from her father. She added that she was asked to make idols of Ganpatis for Durga Devi, Saraswati Devi or other god and goddess festivals like Dussehra and Diwali. Now she can make these idols perfectly.

She also explained the process of making idols. Padmavati revealed that before making a clay Ganapati, a frame is made with a stick, then grass is tied in the shape of a Ganapati and clay is smeared on it to make the shape of the idol. To make it attractive, colours are added to it and it is decorated with a crown, dhoti jewellery, etc. She also revealed that it takes around ten days to make one Ganapati idol. It is said that it has been customary to worship Ganapati made of clay since ancient times. She revealed that these idols are usually sold for between Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000 during the festive season.