Latest news with #PoP
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Clay crisis set to push up idol costs ahead of Ganesha festival in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: With just a month to go for the Ganesha festival, preparations are on across the city. Artists and idol makers in various parts of Bengaluru are busy creating Ganesha idols, the festival's key attraction. However, this festive season is likely to burn a hole in the pockets of devotees, as idol prices are expected to surge 15-20% compared to previous years, thanks to a steep increase in the cost of quality clay soil and other raw materials. Clay soil — which is crucial for crafting idols and is usually sourced from lakes or riverbeds in and around Bengaluru and Ramanagara districts — has become expensive, according to artists. Many attribute this to the bounteous rainfall since 2024, which has left waterbodies filled to at least 50% of their capacity. "We normally source clay soil when the waterbodies either completely turn dry or water recedes to the bottom. But this year, because of prolonged rains, all waterbodies had considerable water and it has been difficult to lift quality clay material. Yet, wherever it is available, like in Hoskote, Bagalur, Malur, and Kannur, we've been getting it," explained Suresh, an idol maker on Tumakuru Road. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo To deal with the clay scarcity, some even went to the neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to source raw material. "We can get clay soil locally, but the quality isn't that good. It doesn't bind well and often develops cracks once the idol becomes dry. Hence, we've got a few loads of clay soil from the Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. This clay is not only good in quality but also ensures no cracks in the idol after painting. After preparing an idol with local clay soil and paddy husk, we coat them with this clay," said Shivanand, another idol maker. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Artists at Pottery Town revealed that they have been paying between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 per load of clay soil weighing 1 to 1.5 tonnes, which is Rs 4,000 to Rs 7,000 more than in previous years. "We can't make 400-500 idols alone; we have to recruit assistants, which has added to the expenses. All this will push up the price of idols by 15-20%, depending on the size and category of idol," explained Rajashekhar, president of Kumbara Karakushala Kaigarika Sahakara Sangha. Yet another artist, from Basavanagudi, pointed to the PoP (plaster of Paris) idols discreetly hitting the market despite the official ban. "While we struggle to make clay idols, these traders are discreetly pushing PoP idols despite the ban. Most of these sales happen through online platforms, and nobody will even get to know about them. The govt must crack down on such PoP storage points and traders." — Ila VC
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Plaster of Paris idol sales continue across Karnataka as ban enforcement falters
BENGALURU: With less than a month to go for the Ganesha festival, state government agencies, particularly the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), are yet to crackdown on Plaster of Paris (PoP) and heavy lead paint idols manufactured and sold across the state. So far, raids have been conducted only in two places -- Bengaluru's Dasarahalli zone and Hubballi where 1,000 and 180 idols, respectively, were seized. 'It has been a year since the government issued orders banning PoP idols. From the last last festive season till now, all the idols that were stored should have been seized and scientifically destroyed. Now, when the festival is just a month away, insignificant checks have started,' said an environment expert working with the KSPCB. On Thursday, Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre had reiterated the state government's 2023 ban and directed officials to take stock of the clay and P0P idols and strictly enforce the ban. Sellers, however, pointed out that they have old stocks which they have invested upon and need to be cleared. 'These idols were made during the previous years and I have paid for each of them. They are to be used in community/public spaces. The government should give us at least one-year time to ensure that they are disposed. Nobody wants second-hand idols for festivities, which the government has been promoting,' said Mallappa, a trader on Mysuru Road. BBMP's construction and debris waste management officials said there are incinerator plants to scientifically dispose PoP idols, but no idols come to them due to religious sentiments. The KSPCB banned the use of PoP idols in 2016. The National Green Tribunal issued orders banning sale, manufacture and usage of PoP idols in 2023 and the Karnataka government issued orders banning them in August 2024. The chief secretary also issued orders for the formation of committees under the district administrations to ensure sale, manufacture and usage of eco-friendly idols and green crackers. KSPCB senior environmental officer G Yateesh said, 'The board has written to the district administrations to seize all those manufacturing and selling PoP idols. But the police and district administration is not cooperating. People should also understand and stop purchasing. We are aware of the idols and seizures are being done. People must also come forward and give details of where they see such idols.' How to identify PoP, lead paint idols Lift the idol; if it is solid inside and hard then it is PoP Idols made with eco-friendly items like clay, gunny sacks and hay stacks are light and not hard Eco-friendly paints are not bright, shiny and glossy
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
In A PoP World, A Couple Sticks To Clay & Ethical Craftsmanship
Nagpur: With Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols back in circulation, traditional clay sculptors are facing an existential crisis. For Prashant and Nisha Mahurkar, a couple who has dedicated decades to crafting eco-friendly idols, the new reality is not just challenging, but disheartening. "We spend days, sometimes weeks, handcrafting an idol. Each piece is a tribute to the Bappa," says Prashant, gently brushing dust off a half-finished Ganesha in his modest Nagpur workshop. "But POP idols? They're mass-produced and sold in minutes. They're cheaper and that's hard to compete with." The return of POP, which is harmful to the environment and banned by several state pollution boards until recently, has tilted the scales further against traditional artisans. Mahurkar recently received a request for a 'Military Ganpati' , an idol of Lord Ganesha holding a rifle. "I asked them if we could replace the weapon with a Tiranga (Indian tricolour). They agreed. That's our job to preserve sanctity, not just sculpt forms. " His wife, Nisha, who handles the final finishing of the idols, echoes his sentiment. "Sometimes people come with the most bizarre demands. Once, a family brought a photo of Ganeshji styled after a cartoon character, holding an oversized modak. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo We knew their intention was to please their kids, but we felt the need to change certain aspects," she says. "We explained the importance of maintaining the deity's sanctity, suggested gentler modifications, and thankfully, they understood." But far more than quirky customer requests, what keeps the Mahurkars up at night is the mounting cost of keeping their craft alive. The couple finds it increasingly difficult to hire and retain daily wage workers. "We can't afford to pay unskilled help anymore," Nisha explains. "And it takes time to train them, this work isn't just about moulding clay. It requires a deep understanding of balance, drying, and layering." Prashant adds, "We spend more time training than actually creating. And yet, we have to meet deadlines." They admit that taking shortcuts could make the business more profitable. "We could switch to POP and fool customers. But how will we sleep at night?" he asks. "This isn't just a business. This is our legacy, our offering to God." In a world where mass production reigns, the Mahurkars' stand is both rare and courageous, a testament to devotion, ethics, and a dying art.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ganpati mandals rejoice as HC permits idol immersion in sea
Mumbai: Ganpati mandals are relieved at Thursday's Bombay High Court order permitting PoP idols over 6 ft tall to be immersed in the sea. They had been wary of organising full fledged celebrations in the absence of proper permissions. Now that the curbs have been lifted they are going ahead full steam with their usual tall moortis, decoration and fundraising. Ankur Lad, spokesperson for Khetwadi Cha Vighnaharta of Girgaum, said artificial tanks were not suited to tall moortis. "PoP idols of 20-25 ft contain metal and iron rods and frames inside for support. In fact even clay idols of that height, like Girgaon Cha Raja, have wood inside. Such idols won't dissolve at all, because how deep can you make artificial ponds," he reasoned. Even as the tug of war over PoP was under way, some mandals voluntarily switched to eco-friendly raw material. Rajendra Sawant, secretary of the 77-year-old Ambedkar Nagar mandal in Worli, said, "Our 10 ft idol was usually made of PoP. But after the earlier ban and concerns over environment safety we used a clay idol. This year it is carved from tissue paper. The decision had to be made quickly as we were sceptical about waiting for the decision over PoP immersion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Private Browsers That Keep You Safe vividtrendlab Undo " You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Abhinay Hate of Kandivali Cha Vighnaharta said their idol is 14 ft tall. "We too were tense about the ban even though we immerse our idol in a pond in any case. But this time there is no confirmation yet for the protocol to be followed at the pond where we usually go. The HC order is a big relief, though." The prominent Chandanwadi Ganeshotsav mandal near Marine Lines hosts a 26 ft tall moorti. Secretary Prathamesh Sakpal said, "Thousands of Ganpati idols are immersed every year amid processions that include lakhs of people. It would be problematic if there was an interruption." In Andheri West, the Saat Bangla Cha Raja stands 22 ft tall. Vice president Amith Kadam said, "Immersion of tall idols beyond 6 ft would have been impossible to execute in artificial tanks. Thanks to the HC order we can now continue our preparations with ease." Santosh Narkar, newly elected chairman of Khetwadi Cha Raja in Girgaum said their idol is 31 ft tall. "Our moortikar Aniket Shevale has carved an outstanding idol this year."
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Quick weekend getaway around Bengaluru made easy with this temple tour. Details: Report
In good news for travel enthusiasts, the Bengaluru Central Division of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is launching a unique weekend spiritual excursion on Saturday, July 26, The Hindu reported. An Ashwamedha Classic bus in Bengaluru. (@ Highlights of the journey Route: The excursion departs from Bengaluru and charts a path through revered sites, including Shivagange, Siddaganga Matha, Devarayanadurga, Goravanahalli, Vidhurashwatha and culminating at Ghati Subramanya, accordign to the report. ALSO READ | Bengaluru man forcibly kisses teen student while shopping, arrested: Report Travelers will have an opportunity to offer prayers at notable temples such as: - Sri Gangadhareshwara and Honnamma Devi temples in Shivagange - Siddaganga Matha - The Bhoga Narasimha temple at Devarayanadurga - Sri Mahalakshmi temple in Goravanahalli - Ashwatha Narayanaswamy temple at Vidhurashwatha - Ghati Subramanya temple Tour details The trip will be operated on Saturdays and Sundays only, using the Ashwamedha Classic buses, covering a distance of 277 km in total. The tour will start at around 6:30 am from Bengaluru and end at 8:00 pm on the same day, the report stated. ALSO READ | Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway to get ₹711 crore safety upgrade amid accidents: Report Fares For adults, the tickets are priced at ₹650 per head, while children between the ages of six to 12 would be charged ₹500 each. Meals and entry fees at temples are not included, the report said. ALSO READ | Karnataka minister calls for strict action against PoP idols ahead of Ganesh Chathurthi: Report How to book The KSRTC encouraged families, devotees, and visitors seeking a spiritual retreat to secure their seats in advance. Bookings can be made via the official KSRTC portals. Embark on a seamless, spiritual day tour across some of Karnataka's most cherished temples, experiencing devotion and heritage — for those looking for quick getaways around Bengaluru.
