Ban on PoP Ganesha statues: Demand for clay idols surges
Nearly a dozen teams of officials from the district administration have cracked down on the PoP idol making units and have even seized the idols. The objective is to ensure that the district is free of PoP idols. While the move has been widely welcomed, idol-makers are struggling to cope with the increased demand.
Deputy commissioner Divya Prabhu has made it clear that PoP idols will not be allowed under any circumstances.
"Our devotion should not harm the environment. Worship must not become a curse for future generations," she said, urging citizens to act responsibly.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on a grand scale in the twin cities of Dharwad and Hubballi, with over 1,000 large idols installed at street corners and public spaces. With just ten days left before the arrival of the elephant-headed god, artisans are working round-the-clock to keep pace with demand.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice
Grammarly
Install Now
Undo
Making idols using only clay is a labour-intensive process and hence only a few have taken up the work.
Eco-friendly idol maker Manjunath Hiremath of Kelgeri said the makers are racing against time to meet the demand. "Unlike PoP idols, clay idols take far more time to make. The scarcity of locally available clay has only made the task more challenging. Moreover, making clay idols requires both skill and time, and not many artisans possess this expertise.
Though training sessions were offered in the past, they drew only limited participation from idol makers," he said.
Hiremath, who begins making eco-friendly Ganesha idols right after Deepavali, is now working over 16 hours a day to meet orders—1,000 small idols for households and more than 100 large idols for public installation by Ganesh Mahamandals. When compared to last year, this time, the demand has increased by 30%, he added.
During the pandemic, restrictions were placed on the size of the idol, but this year there are no such limits—a relief for both artisans and Mahamandals. Many groups have placed orders for idols over 8 feet tall, each taking nearly 60 hours to craft. Materials are sourced both locally and from outside the district, and water-based paints—requiring at least two coats—are used instead of chemical-based colours.
Artist Kantesh has been holding clay idol-making workshops for high school students, encouraging them to craft and install idols in their homes. Around 40 such training programmes, in association with NGOs, have already been conducted.
To further encourage eco-friendly celebrations, Mahamandals are offering special prizes for groups that install clay idols and use sustainable materials for pandal decorations.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Happy Independence Day wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
1.48 crore students across UP schools celebrate Independence Day event
Lucknow: On the occasion of India's 79th Independence Day, over 1.32 lakh council schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) in Uttar Pradesh became vibrant centres of learning and patriotism. Instead of regular classroom lessons, the air was filled with the melodious tunes of the national anthem and Vande Mataram. Nearly 1.48 crore little hands proudly held the tricolour, with eyes reflecting dreams of a bright future for India. Under the shade of the flag, children's cheerful smiles lit up the day, while teachers sowed seeds of national pride in their young hearts. From early hours, primary, upper primary, composite schools and KGBVs across the state were abuzz with celebrations. Flags, creative decorations, and cultural performances painted school campuses in the hues of patriotism. The grand celebrations paid tribute to the martyrs and emerged as a collective pledge to build a strong, self-reliant, and developed India through education, values, and skills. Across all KGBVs, students celebrated Independence Day through patriotic songs, poems, dances, plays and tricolour rallies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The cultural performances by these girls sent out a clear message: daughters are at the forefront of education and nation-building. In state-run schools, students brought history to life through tricolour rallies, debates, sports competitions and cultural programmes narrating the stories of freedom fighters and India's struggle for independence. The participation of parents and villagers, along with their deep love for the nation, turned the occasion into a grand festival of social unity. The directorate of basic education, SCERT and SIET also celebrated the day with enthusiasm. Basic education director Pratap Singh Baghel hoisted the national flag in front of the main building, paying tribute to the martyrs. In his address, he said, "Education is not only a means of imparting knowledge but also the most powerful tool for nation-building. Every teacher and student must carry this responsibility with pride. " At the State Council of Educational Research and Training campus, director Ganesh Kumar hoisted the national flag and paid homage to the unparalleled contribution of freedom fighters. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Living in swamp: A year on, Rajendra Park choking on sewage, no action by Gurgaon civic body
Gurgaon: Residents of Rajendra Park have been living with overflowing sewage for over a year, but say the situation has become unbearable in the past three months. Lanes remain waterlogged with sewage, a constant stench fills the air, and slippery muck has made stepping outside dangerous. Despite repeated complaints through the CM Window, Samadhaan Shivir, appeals to the Urban Local Bodies minister, and a visit from MCG commissioner, little has changed. Mange Ram Yadav, a resident, said, "The situation is so bad that it's hard to even step outside. The lanes are slippery. We've been running from pillar to post for three months, but no one is listening." You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon | Gold Rates Today in Gurgaon | Silver Rates Today in Gurgaon Residents allege the main sewer line hasn't been cleaned properly for years, leaving the system choked. "MCG has occasionally sent a suction machine, but either the cable breaks or the motor fails. We need a permanent solution, not temporary fixes," Yadav added. The condition is affecting everyday life. "The smell makes it hard to breathe even indoors. Cooking, eating, sleeping—everything is impacted. Officials should try living here if they want to understand our struggle," said Rani Devi, another resident. Despite raising the issue on social media and approaching officials, residents say no real action has been taken. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors Can Get This Generic Viagra for 87¢ - Details Inside Friday Plans Learn More Undo "We've tried everything—govt camps, ministers, officers—but nothing changes. Tenants are moving out, but we don't have that choice," another resident said. Meanwhile, MCG chief engineer Vijay Dhaka said that a permanent solution is underway. "We are laying a 600mm sewer line, which is in its final stages, but work has been delayed due to rain. Desilting of the existing 600mm and 900mm lines connected to the Dhanwapur STP is ongoing and expected to be completed within a month. We are also planning a new sewer line connecting to Jahajgarh STP, with the tendering process in progress. Interim measures are being implemented alongside long-term solutions," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Historic Town Hall crying for restoration work to be done
1 2 Mysuru: The historic Town Hall, officially known as the Sri Rangacharlu Memorial Hall, is fast deteriorating, with visible cracks and structural damage threatening its survival. Built over 90 years ago in memory of C Rangacharlu, the celebrated Dewan of the erstwhile Mysuru State, the single-storey structure stands prominently near Mysuru Palace, yet suffers from years of neglect. Commissioned by the then Maharaja of Mysuru to honour Rangacharlu's leadership in steering the state out of crisis, the hall was once a proud cultural landmark. Its stage area, now partially supported by canopies, was notably used by many celebrities, including Mahatma Gandhi, to address a public gathering. Despite being under the care of the Mysuru City Corporation, restoration efforts were minimal. In 2014, then women and child welfare minister Umashree, during a review of Dasara cultural events, expressed strong displeasure over the hall's condition and directed officials to create permanent facilities, but no substantial action followed. The surroundings of the Town Hall are also in a horrible condition, and it seems corporation authorities are not concerned with taking up cleaning work. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The 5 Books Warren Buffett Recommends You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The place has become a site for all sorts of illegal activities. "It's disheartening to see the Town Hall in such a pathetic state," said Prof NS Rangaraju, retired professor of ancient history and archaeology at the University of Mysore. "We informed the corporation commissioner, who assured early repairs, but nothing was done. Such neglect of a major heritage building in the heart of the city is truly unfortunate," he said. Repeated appeals from heritage enthusiasts have gone unanswered, leaving the future of the Town Hall uncertain. Conservationists urge urgent restoration to safeguard this cultural landmark before its condition worsens beyond repair. Mysuru City Corporation commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif said, "The tender process is under way, and the work will be taken up at the earliest. I too felt very bad about the situation, but the repair involves a significant cost." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
