28 August,2011 08:14 AM IST | | Shrikant Khuperkar
Only one inch tall and weighing 40g, couple create world's smallest Ganesh idol
Sushil and Shivani Kanyalal, residents of Ulhasnagar believe in celebrating festivals in an eco-friendly manner. In an attempt to reduce their carbon footprint during this festive season, Sushil came up with the idea of getting a 1-inch Ganesh idol made of mud.
Ulhasnagar couple Sushil and Shivani Kanyalal spend Rs 1,100 for the idol.
The artist responsible took a month to prepare the idol.
For Ganesh Chaturthi, which will start on September 1, Kanyalal began his work in May. But even with the idea of a mini Ganesha he had a tough time finding an artist who could create the miniature clay model. Kanyalal met Ajit Ghadigaonkar, an artist from Lalbaug and convinced him to take on the project. "Though I had the idea, finding an able artist was difficult. I searched for months before finding Ajit who readily agreed," explains Shivani.
"This is the smallest Ganpati ever made and it cost only Rs 1,100. An average idol usually costs around Rs 800," says Shivani.
Initially skeptical about the idea, artist Ghadigaonkar took an entire month to mould the idol. "Making this idol, was a challenge, since every small detail had to be sized-down to perfection. It took me three hours to put the final touches with paint," says Ghadigaonkar.
The Kanyalals, who started the tradition of bringing a Ganpati home five years ago, use environmentally-friendly decorations for the entire span of 11 days. They use a wooden basket instead of thermocol and other biodegradable materials.
Excited about their unique Ganesh idol, Sushil has decided to place a banner outside his building that will let passers-by known about it. He also plans to keep his home's doors open to all devotees. Among those he specially wants to invite is his local MLAu00a0-- Kumar Aelani.
The couple has made special arrangements to keep the Ganpati in Maruti's (Hanuman's) hands, so that the idol is visible during darshan.
