'It is the livelihood of thousands of artisans' proclaimed Senthil Kumar, an artisan, who was busy painting Ganesha idols for the upcoming Vinayagar Chaturti on Sep 5th.
Saravanakumar has two decades of experience in the field of making Sculptures through Mud/Clay. He proudly proclaims that his father is his guru and the reason for him to be involved in this art form.
Hundreds of artisans are working day and night at his godown in Sundakamuthur to create Ganesha idols for the festival. Prior bookings have been made by religious political outfits, organisations and Individuals for idols ranging from 6 ft to 12 ft.
The idols range from Rs.25 to Rs.25000/- depending on the height ranging from 3 inch to 12 ft, he said.
Various NGO's, Environmentalists and Farmers associations have been alleging against the practice of dissolving the idols in Rivers, Ponds, Water bodies and Wells as they lead to grave water contamination. Environmentalis
Plaster of Paris and enamels used to create the statues were deemed to be very hazardous to the environment. Hence, presently paper powders, vegetable flours, lime stone and other eco-friendly raw materials are used for creating, he revealed.
Customised idols are mostly in demand and this year 'Vandi Maadu Vinayagar, Bahubali Vinayagar, Srirangam and Lakshmi Kubera Vinayagar' are in huge demand, he stated.
He also adds that this festival creates seasonal employment opportunity for more than 1000 people around the City. Though modern machinery has considerably reduced our work, the intricate hand strokes gives life to the statue. Even a small mistake by the artisan would change the facial expression of the idol, he endorsed.
More than 1000 idols would be installed around the city. With regard to the same, the activists of Bharath Sena, this Monday (1st August) have filed a petition at the Collectorate to permit installation of Ganesha statues throughout the city without imposing restrictions.
They delivery of the idols would commence from end of August and the big statues (more than 10 ft) the Police would escort the delivery, he told.