Plaster of paris Ganesha Idols back in demand

Though people are becoming more environment-conscious while performing visarjan of Ganesha idols, sculptors claimed that this year the demand for idols made of shadu or clay has dipped.

This one looks better: A woman scouts for a Ganesha idol u00a0

They said idols made from Plaster of Paris (PoP) were sturdier, lighter and less expensive in comparison to those made of shadu. Idol makers in Vashi also said that this year, due to inflation, the cost of idols had soared by 20 per cent. Gajanan Ghag, a salesman of Ganesha idols, said, "Last year, there was an increase in demand for eco-friendly idols.

But this year the demand for PoP idols has increased. The idols made from shadu are difficult to sculpt, heavy and fragile. This is probably why people prefer PoP idols."

A sculptor said people prefer idols that were replicas of the Lalbaugcha Raja and the Chinchpoklicha Raja. Dr Amod Tamankar a resident of Vashi said, "There are various types of idols available in the market, but we prefer the ones sculpted from PoP and in the seated position. Our idols are sculpted in Pen."u00a0