Vibrant Ganesha idols ahead of the Festival With the Ganesh festival arriving on September 14, RV Road in Basavanagudi has come alive with colorful street stalls featuring idols ranging from small clay statues to giant figures. Shoppers are seen browsing the vibrant display of Ganesha and Gauri idols at Basavanagudi in Bengaluru on Thursday
With the Ganesh festival arriving on September 14, RV Road in Basavanagudi has come alive with colorful street stalls featuring idols ranging from small clay statues to giant figures. Shoppers are seen browsing the vibrant display of Ganesha and Gauri idols at Basavanagudi in Bengaluru on Thursday Vibrant Ganesha idols ahead of the Festival With the Ganesh festival arriving on September 14, RV Road in Basavanagudi has come alive with colorful street stalls featuring idols ranging from small clay statues to giant figures. A 1ft idol that earlier cost Rs 550-600 now starts at Rs 650-700 and can cost up to Rs 1,000. Naga Lakshmi H, who has been running NH Dasara Dolls for 30 years, said, “This year, we’ve received requests for models inspired by Isro, as well as Ganeshas riding chariots, peacocks and other styles… Idol immersion will be allowed on designated days between Sept 14 and 28, while alternate days have been reserved for cleaning and maintenance of the lake.
Because of higher clay and raw material costs and labour shortage, traders said idol prices have risen 15-20% this year. Because of the cost of clay and other materials, lalitha J, who has been selling idols at Gandhi Bazaar for seven years, said: “Prices have gone up by 15-20%. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru Stay updated with the latest Bengaluru news.
Another trader, Pavithra S from Jayanagar, said: “Since the idols are simple, to keep things attractive, we’ve seen people asking for costumes and removable clothes for the idols. People are also choosing simpler designs that can be reused, as awareness about environmental concerns has increased. People are keeping the festive spirit alive by shifting their focus to decoration items. designer clay Ganeshas continue to find takers, with buyers looking for different styles and colourful finishes While some traders have seen demand shift towards simpler idols. At the same time, many families are putting greater focus on the mantap, opting for removable clothes for the idols that can be reused, along with flowers and other decorative items. they also want them to be visually appealing While customers are opting for eco-friendly clay idols. Bescom on alert Ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, Bescom has directed its field engineers to inspect transformers, electric poles, HT and LT lines, and other power infrastructure near pandals to ensure uninterrupted power supply and public safety. The power utility, in an official release, instructed officials to rectify defects immediately, remain on alert throughout the festival period, and coordinate with police, local authorities and organisers. Bescom has also asked engineers to facilitate temporary power connections for pandals through prepaid meters, prevent unauthorised connections, and spread awareness on electrical safety. Emergency response teams have been directed to remain ready for quick restoration of power in case of disruptions. The civic body reiterated that PoP idols are completely banned and warned that violators would face legal action. Facilities such as CCTV surveillance, cranes, ambulances, lighting, mobile toilets, drinking water and traffic management measures have been put in place to ensure smooth and safe immersion activities. Download the TOI App.
Shoppers are seen browsing the vibrant display of Ganesha and Gauri idols at Basavanagudi in Bengaluru on Thursday. Shoppers are seen browsing the vibrant display of Ganesha and Gauri idols at Basavanagudi in Bengaluru on Thursday Bengaluru: With the Ganesha festival drawing closer, the city’s streets are filling up with rows of clay idols, bringing an earthy hue to markets across Jayanagar, South End Circle and Gandhi Bazaar. Only eco-friendly idols at Ulsoor Lake Kalyani at Ulsoor Lake which has been used as an immersion tank has received a modern makeover with new steps and safety grills to welcome devotees for the Ganesha idol immersion, in Bengaluru on Friday Bengaluru Central City Corporation has completed preparations for Ganesha idol immersion at Ulsoor Lake kalyani and will permit only eco-friendly idols during the festival period, commissioner Jagadish G said.
Sales have also been affected as, over the last 2-3 years, many have started making idols at home as materials are easily available online. Yeshaswini S, who is part of a family-run idol business, said, “The same idol that used to cost Rs 500-600 is now priced at Rs 700-750 due to limited availability of clay.
When TOI visited markets, traders said sales patterns have changed over the past few years, with more families making idols at home and others choosing simpler clay idols amid stringent rules and greater awareness about the environmental impact of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. A majority of residents are opting for smaller idols as they can be disposed of easily.”