Bengaluru residents get hands-on with DIY Ganesha idol workshops

With Ganesha Chaturthi around the corner, Bengaluru’s art studios are buzzing with ‘Make Your Own Ganapati’ workshops. People of all ages are rolling up their sleeves to mould clay, share ideas, and bring their own visions of the deity to life. Blending tradition with creativity, the workshops offer participants a hands-on way to celebrate the festival — one filled with calm, joy, and personal expression.

‘Making a Ganesha idol is a creative process’

For many, crafting an eco-friendly idol at home is more than just a ritual. Bengaluru-based theatre artiste Chandra Keerthi, who has been making idols for over a decade, sees it as a passion project. “I’ve been fascinated by Ganesha since childhood. Every year, I make an idol with a theme that reflects a current issue, as a small tribute. For me, it’s not just about tradition; it’s a deeply creative process,” he says.

“Making your own Ganesha idols with clay is such a natural process—it brings you closer to nature. When I started hosting workshops in Bengaluru, many people hesitated to get their hands dirty, but now there’s a growing enthusiasm for it, and it’s truly heartening to see,” says Brunda, organiser of a ‘Make Your Own Ganapati’ workshop in the city

Knead, sculpt, decorate: Make a Ganesha idol at home

The idols are made with natural, eco-friendly clay, so bring the measured amount of workable clay home
Use water in regular intervals to keep the clay damp and moist
Keep the design simple. Make the base, the head, and the trunk first. Roll in coils to make arms and legs
Focus on the joy of making rather than perfection

Workshops you can visit in Bengaluru

Eco-Friendly Ganesha Making Workshop – Dialogues Café DIY
Ganesh Utsav 2025 – Itsy Bitsy
Ganesh Idol Making Workshop – Mithra Dance Company
Ganesha Making Workshop – Forum, South Bangalore

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