Bengaluru artisans prepare for Ganesha Chaturthi

Pictures by Karthikeyan Sairam

Bengaluru is abuzz with festive spirit as the city prepares to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi. From bustling markets to dedicated workshops, artisans are carefully sculpting and painting idols of Lord Ganesha in all shapes and sizes.

Idol makers get innovative For over 25 years, Somnath and Swapan Pal have been crafting clay Ganeshas in Bengaluru, creating anywhere between 150 to 175 made-to-order idols each season, ranging from 4 to 16 feet. This year, the spotlight is on unique requests — from Lord Murugan-inspired forms to a 14-foot Kala Bhairav Ganesha priced at `75,000 - `80,000. “Customers now bring AI-generated references, and we enjoy the creative challenge of turning them into clay. Each new design pushes our boundaries,” says Swapan Pal.

This year, too, eco-friendly idols are drawing attention, reflecting the city’s commitment to tradition while embracing sustainability. The celebrations promise devotion, joy, and community togetherness."Get the latest updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2."