Clay Ganesha idols take centre stage in twin cities

Hubballi: As Ganesha Chaturthi approaches in the month of Shravana, major marketplaces of Hubballi-Dharwad are abuzz with colourful Gauri-Ganesha idols. Among these, clay Ganapati idols are particularly in high demand.
Idol makers in Hubballi-Dharwad, along with those from regions like Haveri, Belagavi, Konnor, and Maharashtra, have been busy crafting these idols year-round to meet the festive demand.The vibrantly crafted idols have caught the attention of many, making them a popular choice in the twin cities.
The selling of Ganesha idols is going on in major places. In Dharwad, CBT, Gandhi Chowk, and Sringar are popular spots. In Hubballi, Bommapur Oni, CBT, Chitragar Oni, and other places are bustling with activity.
According to sources, there are more than 30 families in Bommapur who make idols. Some of these families bring ready-made Ganapati idols from Mumbai and other places. Hectic preparation is going on for the Ganapati festival. Vishweshwara, Bhrinadavan Ganapati, Panchamukhi, Nataraja, Kalinga Mardana, Ardhanariswara, Shivaganapa, Ganapa sitting on lotus flower, Veeranjaneya Ganapa, Ekadanta Ganapa, Ganapa on a peacock, and various other Ganapati idols are attracting attention.
The prices are different according to the size. More than 1-foot idols cost between Rs 1,000 to 2,000. Year by year, the prices of idols are increasing.
Amidst the influx of plaster of paris Ganapati idols, there is a special demand for idols made from red clay. Clay idols do not harm the environment. People are searching and making advance bookings for Ganapati idols, which are also decorated using natural colours.
Sainath from Bommapur Oni in Hubballi, an idol seller, said that they have brought around 80 idols and 23 idols have been booked already. The prices of idols will change according to size. They sell idols for Rs 1,000 to 2,500, he added.
Rakesh Kamble, an idol maker from Hubballi, said that they have prepared around 200 idols from clay. To date, 100 idols have been booked. There is a huge demand for clay idols, he said.
Anup Badiger, a resident of Despande Nagar, said that the price of Ganesha idols has increased. Earlier, they used to get idols for Rs 800 to 1,000. Now it has increased to Rs 1,000 to 3,000. Since clay are in demand, their prices are also increasing every year, he said.