85-Year-Old Artist Carves Ganesha on Living Tree

Ishtiaq Ali, an 85-year-old artist from Kakori, Lucknow, has recently garnered significant attention for his distinctive art of carving Lord Ganesha onto a living tree. His unusual technique, coupled with his advanced age and profound understanding of idol creation, has captured public interest, particularly through viral social media videos.

Ali's journey began with hardship; he spent his youth as a daily wage worker, enduring poverty. It was approximately 10 to 15 years ago that he seriously returned to idol-making, a craft he loved. This endeavor provided him with a new sense of purpose, especially as consistent labor became challenging.

Initially, Ali faced a lack of appreciation, with his wife even suggesting he discard his creations as they wouldn't support the household. Today, his idols are widely admired. His current project involves carving Ganesha directly onto a living tree, a method that leaves the tree unharmed and has positively transformed a space once used for dumping garbage.

A key aspect of Ali's artistry is his belief that the eyes are the final touch, imbuing the idol with divine life. He explains that until the eyes are completed, the sculpture is merely a statue, not the form of God. He also detailed the significance of the trunk's direction, noting that a left-facing trunk is considered auspicious for homes, promoting peace and balance.