Clay idols attached to vegetables or organic colors are desired in the Memor in front of the Gowri-Ganesha festival. | Photo Credit: Ma Sriram
Traditional craftsmen in Mysuru were busy with the advent of the Gowri-Ganesha festival season when they selected ecological idols from the clay obtained from rural security.
Regardless of the growing presence of idols made of plaster from Paris (POP) on the market, traditional craftsmen have kept soil and believe that they can threaten the threat that pop idols are.
For families like family such as puttaswamy, vice-chairman of the ecological association of idol manufacturers Ganesha Gowri, is a period of dedication and an important economic opportunity-to maintain livelihood and maintain heritage.
Mr. Puttaswamy, who has been producing Ganesha Idoles for more than five decades and inherited tradition from his ancestors, is convinced that the growing environmental awareness will create further demand for ecological idols.
Puttaswamy, who worked from his temporary studio near Varacod on Bannur Road with the help of two to three qualified assistants.
It is important, however, that the public itself turns to environmentally friendly idolatry, stimulating the demand that grows with every year, Mr. Puttaswamy said.
There were hundreds of clay craftsmen decades ago in Copy, mostly concentrated in Kumbari on Ashoka Road. Over the years, however, families have dispersed and moved to different occupations. Currently, about 50 families continue to monitor their crafts of idols using clay.
“We have been producing these idols for generations. It is our livelihood and inheritance. Even my son, even if he works at a private bank and MBA graduation holder, is trying to continue tradition,” Mr. Puttaswamy said.
While traditions and livelihood remain central, craftsmen accept environmentally conscious practices such as the use of vegetable colors to paint idol.
In recent years, rising costs of raw materials and transport have added financial pressure in recent years. One of the members of the Association said that the burden of clay, which cost 8,000 GBP last year, is now sold for 10,000 GBP, with delivery fees reaching up to 15,000 ₹.
However, the demand for traditional idols ensures a constant income that maintains craftsmen and helps keep the vessel alive. The source of clay is a careful process, with materials acquired mainly from standing waters KRYHNARAJA SAGAR and T. NARSIPURA.
“Not all clay is suitable; some of them develop cracks. The selection of the right material is therefore necessary for quality idols,” according to craftsmen, some of which work in Make-Shift studios on Hebball and other places.
Mysuru City Corporation supported the use of clay idols while discouraging plaster from Paris (pop) of idols. In addition, there is an ongoing awareness campaign from Porakaramikas who play recorded news when they are on duty during the morning collection for the door.
Some non -governmental organizations, such as Parisara Balaga, carried out workshops for the production of clays for the public in cooperation with the State Council for Control of Pollution Pollution and the reaction was encouraging.
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Published – August 23 2025 20:04
