Latest news with #POP
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Clay Is King: Chitar Oli Junks PoP, Shapes Bappa With Tradition, Trust
1 2 Nagpur: In the narrow lanes of Chitar Oli in the old city area of Mahal, the tradition of idol-making doesn't just survive, it breathes through clay, creativity and craftsmanship. Here, generations of idol-makers continue to shape Ganesh idols with the same care and conviction their ancestors once did. Crafting a Ganesh idol isn't seasonal job but a way of life for these artisans. Passed down through generations, the art form has remained deeply rooted despite changing times. And while others may turn to faster and easier methods, these artisans stay committed to natural materials and patient workmanship. One such veteran artisan is Deepak Inglay, who has spent over five decades in the craft. He shares that buying a Ganesh idol isn't like buying marble, where the price is determined by its size. "Instead, it's an art shaped by the hard work and skill of the maker. The value comes not just from how big the idol is, but from the effort poured into its design and detail. This year, a 20-feet Ganesh murti will be made at Gandhi Putla, commissioned by Prakash Gajbhiye. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Solving multicloud networking challenges to scale businesses with AI NetworkWorld | Tata Communications Undo It will be one of the biggest in the city, and completely eco-friendly," he says. Kedar Ingle, a seasoned idol-maker, expressed concern over the growing reliance on Plaster of Paris (POP) idols. He believes many newer entrants don't understand the traditional process and turn to PoP for convenience. "They skip the fundamentals like properly cleaning the clay and focus only on surface finishing, but if the clay isn't prepared well, the idol won't come out right," he says. "PoP doesn't dissolve properly and causes environmental harm," says Nitin Ingle, an idol-maker who often recreates client references using only natural clay. "That's why we've decided never to use PoP. Our focus is on natural materials, it's better for both the environment and the idol," he says. In a nearby lane, Raju Darlinge works on a partially finished idol in a shaded workshop. "This isn't just about shaping clay, it's about protecting something cultural and sacred," he says. Darlinge relies on traditional clay methods, avoiding POP entirely. The clay used is sourced from Bhandara and nearby agricultural lands. Cleaning and preparing this clay is considered a vital part of the process, something that can't be overlooked. Prices for the idols vary, typically ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs50,000, depending on the intricacy of the design. Even during the off-season, the work doesn't stop. Many artisans design idols for the next year or shift to fibreglass models for exhibitions or orders. In a world that often prizes speed over skill, the artisans of Chitar Oli stand firm, preserving an art form that values patience, practice and purity. As the state leans toward more sustainable celebrations, their work serves as a quiet but powerful reminder that tradition, when nurtured with dedication, can still shape the future. 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 s ilver prices in your area.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Hyderabad: Khairatabad Ganesh idol is set to make a grand appearance in 2025
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 7 (ANI): Hyderabad's iconic Khairatabad Ganesh idol is all set to make a grand appearance in 2025, marking its 71st year. This year's idol, named 'Vishwashanti,' aims to promote peace across the world. The making of the Ganesh Idol started on June 6, on the occasion of Sarva Ekadasi, and is expected to be completed by August 25. More than 50% of the work is finished. According to Sandeep Raj, Convenor of the Hyderabad Ganesh Utsav Committee, the idol will be 69 feet tall. It will feature Kanyaka Parmeshwari on one side and Gajjelaamma Mata on the committee has been working tirelessly to ensure the idol's construction is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally sustainable. More than 50% of the work is finished, he added. The idol is being made entirely of clay (Matti) without using Plaster of Paris (POP), and water-based paint will be used, which dissolves in water, making the immersion process eco-friendly. The raw materials used include clay from Gujarat, jute powder, grass, sand, and grass powder.A team of around 200 people, including 40 artisans from Chennai, clay artisans from Odisha, a welding team from Andhra Pradesh, and a team from Adilabad, is working on making the Ganesh idol. Jogarao, a clay artisan from Odisha, said that it's been four years since he has been working on the Khairatabad Ganesh idol. 'There is no POP used anywhere in making the idol, it's completely made of clay and water colours will be used," he Khairatabad Ganesh idol has been a tradition since 1954, started by the late Shankaraiah, a corporator at that time. Over the years, the height of the idol has been increasing, with last year's 70-foot idol marking 70 years of idol is expected to attract people from all over the country, and the committee is gearing up to celebrate this iconic festival, promoting peace, harmony, and devotion among the people. (ANI)
Time of India
03-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
State tightens rules for pop ganpati idols and forms expert panel for eco friendly disposal
Nagpur: The state government has banned the immersion of Lord Ganesh's Plaster of Paris (POP) idols in natural water bodies. A fresh set of guidelines, issued on August 1, introduces stricter norms. Under the new rules, all POP idols must carry a red circle painted on their back and be immersed only in artificial ponds. The norms aim to curb water pollution and promote eco-conscious rituals for a greener Ganeshotsav. "Every POP idol, big or small, must now have a painted red dot using oil paint. This mark will help citizens and authorities easily identify the material and ensure compliance with disposal norms," the government stated. Idol sellers and makers must maintain a detailed sale register and provide each customer with a pamphlet—supplied by local bodies—outlining immersion instructions. If no alternative is available for immersion, POP idols must be retrieved from natural water bodies the very next day. For idols under six feet—typically used in homes and small community setups—immersion is permitted only in artificial ponds. Local self-government bodies, such as municipal corporations and councils, have been instructed to set up dedicated registration desks for public mandals, collecting detailed information on the type and size of installed idols. They must also ensure adequate artificial pond infrastructure with proper water treatment facilities. Each pond must contain 8–10 times more water than required, and the water must be treated within a week before being sent to sewage treatment plants. Interestingly, the state is also encouraging reuse over immersion. Large mandals have been urged to install a small idol solely for 'visarjan', while preserving their grand idol for future years. Mandals are also being encouraged to adopt smaller idols altogether. After immersion, all sludge and material collected from ponds must be stored for at least 15 days and then processed scientifically. The government has directed local bodies to collaborate with institutions such as the National Chemical Laboratory and relevant NGOs for the environmentally safe recycling of POP waste. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has been directed to launch an aggressive awareness campaign through social media, traditional platforms, and local outreach initiatives. Direction boards to visarjan spots, street plays in schools, and massive community drives are part of the plan. These new rules, applicable to all festivals until March 2026, are legally binding. The state has made it clear: eco-friendliness is no longer optional—it's the new norm. State Forms Expert Panel to Draft Eco-Friendly POP Disposal Guidelines The state government has formed an expert committee to recommend methods for the reuse, recycling, and faster dissolution of POP idols in an eco-friendly manner. The move follows a Bombay High Court order dated July 24, which directed the state to constitute the panel within a month. A Government Resolution (GR) issued on August 1 details the formation of an eight-member committee comprising experts from premier institutions, including IIT Bombay, ICT Mumbai, Neeri (Nagpur), the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune, and the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission. The MPCB's member secretary will serve as the committee's chairperson. The panel is tasked with drafting scientific guidelines for safe disposal, promoting biodegradable alternatives, and developing certification standards for eco-friendly POP products. It is authorised to conduct field studies, consult subject matter experts, and utilize government resources as needed. The MPCB will fund and support the committee, which has six months to submit its final report to the state government. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Deccan Herald
03-08-2025
- Deccan Herald
Dist admin gears up to celebrate Ganesha fest in eco-friendly way
Dharwad/DHNS: With the Ganesha festival nearing, the district administration has put over a dozen departments on their toes, in a bid to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly the years, it has been observed that the PoP idols from neighbouring Maharashtra arrive in the district in a big way. There has been a ban on PoP idols in state and also use of artificial colours, but the idol-makers were accused of hoodwinking the officials and preparing the idols in isolated places. However, the district administration has come up with a series of measures this time to see that only clay idols are installed and natural colours are Commissioner Divya Prabhu stated that under no circumstances, the sale of PoP Ganesha idols be allowed in the district. The officials should conduct surprise raids on workshops and stalls selling Ganesha idols and seize all the PoP idols, she said.'Our devotion should not become a threat to the environment. Our worship should not become a curse for the next generation,' she said, urging everyone to act prevent POP idols from entering the city and towns from other districts, check-posts must be set up at district and urban borders. These posts should be staffed not onlyby police but also by officers and staff from other departments. Police must not be negligent in inspecting and seizing PoP Ganesha idols. Any police officer found neglecting the rules will face disciplinary action, the DC said awareness campaigns are being conducted to ensure that PoP idols are not sold or used by the public in the district. The production and sale of clay Ganesha idols are being if PoP Ganesha idols are seen being sold in any city, taluk, or other areas of the district, environmentally conscious citizens and the public are urged to inform the district administration, taluk offices, or municipal corporation. Helpline centres have been established for this purpose, she and taluk-level task forces have already been formed to curb the transport, storage, and sale of PoP Ganesha idols. These must now operate actively. Officials should conduct unannounced visits to check-posts, warehouses, and sale locations, the saleIn view of Ganesha Chaturthi, specific locations have been designated for firecracker sales. Vendors have submitted applications for permission. Tahsildars, along withpolice and fire department officials, must conduct on-site inspections and take action asper rules. If any damage or mishap occurs, the shop owners will be held directly will be taken based on the report submitted by the tahsildar. Kalabhavan in Dharwad and Nehru Maidan in Hubballi have been approved for firecracker sales. In Navalgund, the tahsildar has been directed to identify a suitable location and make recommendations, the DC HDMC must approve public installation of Ganesha idols through a single-window system, especially promoting the installation of clay idols, she added.
The Hindu
02-08-2025
- The Hindu
No PoP idols in Dharwad district, says DC
Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad Divya Prabhu G.R.J. on Saturday said that under no circumstances would the sale of Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) be allowed in the district, and those violating the order would be strictly dealt with. Chairing a task force meeting on prohibition and control of PoP Ganesha idols to prevent water pollution in Dharwad, she said it was illegal to store and sell PoP idols, and directed the officials to conduct surprise checks, seize such idols immediately and penalise the sellers. The Deputy Commissioner said that one should not pose threat to environment in the name of devotion. 'Our worship should not become a curse for the next generation. Ganesha idol vendors should only sell eco-friendly clay idols', she said. Emphasising the need for strict monitoring at the check-posts to prevent entry of PoP idols into the district, she directed the officials to seize both the POP idols and the vehicle used for the transportation. Police officers showing neglect in seizing PoP idols would have to face disciplinary action, she warned. The Deputy Commissioner said that the High Court of Karnataka had issued clear directions banning the use of PoP Ganesh idols. PoP contained toxic chemicals that would pollute water bodies endangering both human and aquatic life., she added. Helpline Ms. Divya said that an awareness campaign was being conducted to ensure that PoP idols were not sold or used for installation by the public. However, if PoP Ganesha idols were seen being sold in any village, town or city of the district, citizens should alert the officials and for the purpose helpline centres had been set up, she said. District and taluk-level task forces that had been formed to curb the transport, storage and sale of PoP Ganesh idols, should be proactive in curbing the menace, she said. On sale of crackers, she said that it would be allowed only in designated places and already various vendors had submitted their applications. Kalabhavan in Dharwad and Nehru Maidan in Hubballi would be the designated places for sale of crackers in the twin cities and tahsildars had been directed to identify suitable locations in respective taluks, she said. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the need for creating awareness on installation of eco friendly clay idols. They should also be encouraged to immerse them in a bucket of water and reuse the clay to plant saplings, she said.
