Hyderabad is facing a scarcity of eco-friendly Ganesh idols in the market. The State government’s approval for the production of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols has led to a surge in their availability. As a result, the city’s markets are stocked with PoP idols. This year, there has been a substantial price hike in Ganesh idols, with prices soaring by 25 to 30 percent compared to last year.
The monsoon rains have posed a significant challenge for clay idol makers. The heavy rainfall in July and September has made it difficult for artisans to dry the clay idols and add finishing touches. Many clay artisans have switched to PoP idols due to the extreme weather conditions. This shortage of clay idols in the market has led to an increase in prices. For example, the price of a 1-foot Ganesh idol last year was Rs 1500, but this year it is around Rs 2000 to Rs 2500. Even the cost of bigger idols has shot up.
When The Hans India team visited various idol workshops, they found that compared to last year, this year most idol stores were stocked up with PoP idols. Only a few shops were selling clay idols with limited stock, and only small idols were on display.
The State government’s decision to allow the production of PoP Ganesh idols has left clay makers concerned. Many idol sellers preferred to transport PoP idols from other states instead of crafting them locally. Clay idols are more pocket-friendly, starting from Rs 50. Despite the government encouraging eco-friendly idols, their approval for PoP idols is confusing.
The incessant rains have filled the lakes, making it difficult to extract clay and dry the idols in time. Without drying, the idols cannot be painted. This has affected the production and sales of clay idols this year.
