Mangaluru: ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’, a famous and celebrated in most of the parts of India. It has got its own mythical history. According to Indian mythology Lord Shiva and Parvathi gave rebirth to a child by placing elephant’s head on him. This feast is known is many names like Vinayaka Chaturdashi, Chowti, Ganesha festival etc.

Mangaluru city is all set to celebrate the festival, which will start from September 5. To celebrate the feast many idols of Ganapathi will be made in nearby areas of the city. Mega Media News visited the families, those who are known for making Ganapathi idol.

A family in Mannagudda, Mangaluru is well known for making Ganapathi idol every year. This practice was started by late Mohan Rao before 85 years. After him his sons continued the practice and now Mohan Rao’s fourth generation is continuing the same. Though everyone is working in high profile companies, still they are continuing the idol making practice.

The idols which are being made by this family will be eco friendly. They use the colour which doesn’t contain lead and other chemical elements. More than 204 idols will be done by this family, which will be exhibited in various part of the city.

“We distribute most of the idols here in Mangaluru only, one or two idols will be exported to foreign countries,” said Rao family member Venkatesh Rao.

Retired bank employee Mohan Rao’s son Ramachandra Rao said “we collect the raw materials for the idol on ‘Chitra Nakshatra’. On new moon we paint the idol. Those who want to make idol from us will order on ‘Nagarapanchami’. We will make Ganapathi of size one foot to ten feet.”

Family’s great granddaughter Shilpa Rao, who is a MCom graduate and professional singer also help her father and grandfather to make the idols. Mohan Rao’s sons Prabhakar Rao, Sudhakar Rao and Ramachandra Rao make marriage turban and also work as painting artists at drama companies.

Another place for Ganapthi idol is Car Street’s Art Works shop. Its owner Vinayak Shet is well known for idol making. From past 25 years he is in this field and he made 108 idols this year. He also uses natural colour and the mud brought from Kundapur tiles factory. From past five months he is busy with his team making idols.

In other places like Balambhat, Temple square Kishor Pai, Arodi Damodhara Shenoy etc also idol making work is gaining speed as the festival is nearing. Buyers are giving proper instructions to the makers.

By Shivaprasad -Editor

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