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Eco-Idols Bloom: 3.5 Quintals of Turmeric for Lord Ganesha
11 Sep
Summary
- A 21-foot Ganesha idol is adorned with 3.5 quintals of turmeric.
- Artisans use eco-friendly clay from Ganga, Kshipra, and Kanpur rivers.
- Idols feature unique decorations like dry fruits, coconuts, and cowries.
As Ganeshotsav approaches, a dedicated team of 35 young artisans, aged 22 to 27, are finalizing intricate idols of Lord Ganesha. Led by Shruti Panchal, this group is managing five projects, three in Indore and two in Ujjain, continuing their tradition of unique creations. This year, they are crafting a spectacular 21-foot 'Mahakal Ke Yuvraj' idol, destined for installation near Gate 4 of the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain on September 14.
This monumental idol will be adorned with an astonishing 3.5 quintals of turmeric, a decorative choice inspired by the traditional depiction of Lord Ganesha as Haridra Ganapati. The turmeric alone is expected to cost around Rs 3 lakh, with about 1.5 quintals already applied. Sculptor Atul Pal emphasized the use of eco-friendly clay from the Ganga, Kshipra, and Kanpur rivers, preserving traditional craftsmanship while promoting environmental conservation.
The team's creativity extends to other idols as well. An 11-foot idol for Ujjain's Fazalpura area will be decorated with 11 varieties of dry fruits. For Indore's Veer Gali, idols are incorporating coconut shells, fibers, and nearly 11 kg of cowries. Preparations for these detailed installations begin months in advance, requiring meticulous planning and continuous effort to ensure readiness for the festival.
