From humble earth to divine form: The making of Ganesha idols in Goa

GT Digital

GOA GEARS FOR GANESHA

In less than a month, the joyous spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi will fill homes and hearts as families, friends, and relatives come together to celebrate the festival.

Goa | Ganesh Chaturthi | God of prosperous beginnings | Photo: Veig Karmali

DEEP TRADITION & EMOTION

Welcoming Lord Ganesha into one's home is a solemn ritual marked by prayer and tradition. The process of selecting the idol is a deeply personal one, where reverence intertwines with emotion.

Goa | Ganesh Chaturthi | Tradition | Emotion | Photo: Veig Karmali

HONOURING NATURE

A growing consciousness for the planet is inspiring a transformation in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations as people are opting for eco-friendly clay idols over the harmful plaster of Paris (POP).

Goa | Ganesha Chaturthi | Clay | POP | Photo: Veig Karmali

FAMILY LEGACY

The art of making clay Ganesha idols has been preserved by families of sculptors in Goa. The Chari family, based in Quepem's Ambaulim, Chinchwad in South Goa, is one of them.

Goa | Ganesh Chaturthi |Chari Family | Photo: Veig Karmali

HERITAGE FOR GENERATIONS

Kalpesh Chari, who has inherited the skill of making clay idols from his grandfather and father - Tiru Chari and Shavu Chari respectively - continues sculpting Ganesha idols along with his family.

Goa | Ganesh Chaturthi | Heritage |Sculptors | Photo: Veig Karmali

METICULOUS ART

Idol making is a detail-oriented task and requires a lot of time. Hence, the process kicks off a month before the festival.

Goa | Ganesh Chaturthi |Art | Festival | Photo: Veig Karmali

NOT WITHOUT TOIL

The creation of an eco-friendly Ganesha idol begins with a demanding journey for sourcing Chikan Mati, a unique clay. It is a labour-intensive process that lays the foundation for a sacred masterpiece.

Goa | Ganesh Chaturthi | Chikan Mati | Idol | Photo: Veig Karmali

A TOUCH OF COLOUR

This clay is then imbued with divine essence as it takes shape as Lord Ganesha. Each idol, a masterpiece in itself, is adorned with intricate details through the painstaking art of hand-painting.

Goa | Ganesh Chaturthi | Clay | Hand-painted | Photo: Veig Karmali

ARTISTIC DEVOTION

The Chari family has elevated idol making to an art form through generations of unwavering dedication. For countless families in Quepem, the Chari idol is a cherished symbol of faith.

Goa | Ganesh Chaturthi |Idol making |Families | Photo: Veig Karmali

CULTURAL TREASURE

By opting for clay over harmful POP, artists are demonstrating a profound respect for both environment and tradition, and also safeguarding this heritage for generations to come.

Goa | Ganesh Chaturthi |Cultural treasure |Clay over POP | Photo: Veig Karmali

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