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Innovative Approaches to Ganesh Puja

RESHMI YADAV, OP

Bhubaneswar: With Ganesh Puja approaching, artisans and educational institutions throughout the state are merging traditional practices with modern creativity, showcasing the deity in environmentally friendly and imaginative designs.

This year's focus is on sustainability, featuring idols crafted from clay pots and those embedded with seeds.

Panchanan Samal, the principal of Dhauli College of Art and Craft, emphasized their innovative approach.

"This year, our students have created Lord Ganesh idols using 'Abhada Kodua', the sacred clay pots traditionally utilized for preparing Mahaprasad for Lord Jagannath."

Dhauli College of Art and Craft, Pic-OP

To ensure that the immersion of idols does not pollute water bodies or harm aquatic life, natural paints were employed.

"Every year, we prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable idols," Samal stated. Schools are also joining this green initiative.

At Bermunda High School, students have taken a sustainable approach to idol-making.

Assistant teacher Sangita Ray mentioned, "This year, students from Class VI to X have created 30 eco-friendly idols using natural colors and seeds."

Bermunda High School Pic-OP

Instead of immersing the idols, they will be buried in soil after the rituals, making this initiative both educational and a step towards environmental responsibility.

Sashikant Behera, a professional artisan from Mancheswar, shared insights about the increasing demand for idols in industrial areas.

"I primarily identify as a conceptual artist, but in Odisha, innovative ideas often struggle for acceptance.

Thus, during Ganesh Puja and other festivals, I concentrate on idol-making, which is financially viable for artists like myself."

Artist Sashikant Behera, Pic-OP

To maintain my livelihood, I accept seasonal commissions for crafting idols of Lord Ganesh, Vishwakarma, and Durga," he elaborated.

This year, Behera has received 22 orders for Ganesh Puja idols, which vary in height from 8 to 13 feet and are priced between Rs 22,000 and Rs 25,000.

"One of my most distinctive creations this year is an Aghori Avatar Ganesh idol, alongside traditional Shiv Avatar idols, Lalbaugcha Raja idols, and Garuda Avatar idols," he noted.

Artisan Bijaya Kumar Panda, who operates Jaga Baliya Silpa Mandir, discussed the commercial aspect of the festival.

"Having been in this field for over 40 years, I received 12 large orders this year and created 30 to 40 smaller idols for walk-in customers."

Artisans add the last brush of colour to Ganesh idols in Bhubaneswar, Pic-OP

While Ganesh idols tend to sell better than those of Durga and Lakshmi, the demand has decreased compared to previous years.

The festival brings joy and business opportunities for many, yet for clay artisans, the profits remain limited; compensation does not reflect the quality of their work," Panda remarked.

He also mentioned that their most unique creation this year is a Bahubali Ganesh idol.

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