Belagavi: Demand for suitable clay idols on POP ban, just two months later Ganpati festival is about to arrive. However, preparations are already underway with a sense of urgency among the artisans. All aspects of the process are moving at a fast pace, especially the creation of Lord Ganpati idols in various sizes. For these artisans, crafting these clay idols is not just a chore but a form of devotion and meditation. In the city of Belagavi in Karnataka, several places are currently filled with dedicated idols of Ganpati. The artisans skillfully mix river mud, coconut milk and brown sugar to create these sacred figures. The atmosphere is oozing with dedication and meticulous attention to detail. It has been about 15 days since the work of making the clay idols began. After this initial phase, the artisans will spend an entire month perfecting and completing the idols. Given the government’s emphasis on eco-friendly practices, there has been a notable shift towards clay idols instead of idols made of plaster of Paris (POP). This conscious choice reflects the growing awareness about the environmental impact among both the artisans and the community. However, Belgaum Murtikar Sangathan, a group of idol makers from Belagavi, has appealed to the district administration to reconsider the ban on the use of plaster of Paris (POP) for making Ganesh idols. They argued that there is ample demand for idols and there is a shortage of specific clay required for traditional idol making. Recently, the association members interacted with district minister Satish Jarkiholi and deputy commissioner Nitesh Patil to put forth their case for lifting the POP ban. They highlighted the challenges faced due to the limited availability of suitable clay and emphasised the practical need to meet the demand for idols during the upcoming festive season. Clay idols are not only expensive but also heavy and prone to breakage. In contrast, POP idols are lighter and more cost-effective.
