Nashik: Ganesh idols crafted in Nashik have once again made their mark on the international market. This year, attractive idols made from Shadu clay as well as Plaster of Paris (POP) have received strong demand from more than 22 countries, with thousands of idols being shipped overseas ahead of the Ganesh festival.
The traditional art of idol-making in Nashik is being carried forward by several generations of artisans. Among them, the family of renowned sculptor Shantaram More has been preserving and developing the craft for the fourth generation. This year, idols produced at their workshop have been dispatched to countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, France, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand.
More than 20 artistic forms
Nashik's idol-making workshops are producing a wide variety of beautifully crafted Ganesh idols in both Shadu clay and POP. Popular designs include replicas and artistic interpretations of Lalbaugcha Raja, Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, Titwala Ganpati, Chintamani, Mayureshwar and Siddhivinayak.
Artisans are also creating idols in distinctive forms such as Peshwa-style Ganpati, Bal Ganpati, Rajapurcha Raja, Ganesha seated on a throne, Padmasana Ganesh, Shankha-Chakra-dhari Ganesh, Garudarudha Ganesh, Ganesha riding a mouse, Nataraja form, Bajirao-Mastani-inspired forms, Krishna avatar, Panchmukhi Ganpati, Mayurarudha Ganesh and environmentally friendly Shadu-clay idols.
The growing demand from Indians and devotees living abroad has helped Nashik's traditional idol-making industry establish a presence in international markets. The combination of traditional craftsmanship, intricate detailing and a wide range of designs has made Nashik idols particularly popular among overseas buyers.
Prices from ₹2,500 to ₹50,000
The price of small and medium-sized Shadu-clay idols ranges from around ₹2,500 to ₹8,000. Larger idols featuring elaborate ornamentation, intricate craftsmanship and grand thrones are priced between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000, depending on their size, design and finishing.
The international demand is providing a significant boost to Nashik's traditional idol-making sector while also taking the city's artistic heritage to devotees across the world.
“Ganesh idols from Nashik are in great demand both in the domestic market and abroad. The craftsmanship here appeals to devotees of Lord Ganesha. The More family is now in its fourth consecutive generation in this business. Customer demand is increasing every year. With our children also contributing extensively, the business is expanding steadily. Preparations for the Ganesh festival usually begin nearly a year in advance.”
— Shantaram More, Veteran Idol Maker
