Ganesh idol-makers, low on profits, bank on tradition

Canacona: As Ganesh Chaturthi nears, traditional idol-makers who have been busy for three months or so are working with urgency to put the finishing touches to the remaining idols. At some chitrashalas (workshops), idols are already on display and are available for sale at various places of Canacona taluka.

A member of the community of Chari artisans, from the Char-Rasta of Canacona, said clay idols do not fetch any significant profit because the raw material is expensive. This artisan, who has been producing idols for decades, said that the process of making clay suitable for idols requires painstaking labour.

Another member of the Chari community said that since workers skilled in the craft are scarce, they come at a premium, which further erodes profits. He said it is challenging to preserve the idol-making heritage but the faith in Lord Ganesh keeps him and other artisans going.

The cost of a clay Ganesh idol can be Rs 1,000 upwards

depending on the artwork. The costs of ‘sarvajanik’ idols (those meant for public places) start at more than Rs 10,000 depending on the size and artwork.

As for buyers, most artisans in the state have their own list of customers, usually spanning generations.

Some artisans have inherited the tradition and they sustain it not for money but to respect a legacy. Nothing makes them happier than to cherish the knowledge that their idols are worshipped during Ganesh Chaturthi, popularly known as Chavath, the most widely celebrated festival of Goa.

Manoj Prabhugaonkar, an artisan, said he has been making clay idols for at least three decades. He said he brings clay from Sawantwadi to uphold the art of his forefathers. Prabhugaonkar said, “If someone wants to celebrate Chavath but has no money to buy an idol, I will give one free.”

The festival bonds not only families but a whole population. For example, Tudal is a small hamlet of Gaondongrim in Canacona taluka and is home to eight families. All these families get together every year to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi for three days

While piety is the same across Goa, some observa-nces are unique. A case in point involves the 13 families of the Prabhugaonkar clan in Poinguinim. The clan worships Lord Ganesh represented as a paper image.

The clan members venture into the nearby forest a day before Ganesh Chaturthi and collect wild leaves — mostly medicinal — and flowers. The ‘puddi’ or bundle of medicinal leaves, wrapped in kasal leaves, is placed before Lord Ganesh’s image.

For legions of other Goans, Chaturthi brings about a reunion of kin. Take for instance the Handekars, one of the most prominent families of Agonda. At least 100 members of the family’s 11th generation, living across the world, unite at the biggest house at Agonda village to take part in the arti ritual.