Mangalore : Ganesha Chaturthi is round the corner and preparations are afoot to celebrate the festival  on a grand scale.

The idols of Lord Ganesha in varied shapes, sizes and colours are being readied for the grand festival. Devotees have already booked their idols to be taken for installation on Ganesha Chaturthi day.

Making Ganapathi idols is an art in itself. In Mangalore Ganesha Murthis are being prepared at Carstreet, Mannagudda, near Sharavu Temple and  near the Balambhat Hall.

Vinayaka Shet who is into this profession at Carstreet since 25 years is a master of the art of making Ganesha idols. The preparations begin three month in advance with the help of three of his assistants. From a mini Ganesha idol to large Ganapas are being readied here. No paint is used in making the idols. Shet who is the disciple if MS Kudva, never fixes any rate for the idols. He gives the idols to devotees at whatever price they offer.

In Mannagudda idols are prepared by late Mohan Rao’s children Prabhaker Rao, Sudhaker Rao and Ramachandra Rao. The family has a 84 year old history of making idols.They make eco friendly Ganesha idols. The idols are being  made using water colour and  by filling hay inside. The preparation begins one and a half months before  on Chitra star day. They prepare around 198  idols as per the demands of the devotees. Some of the idols are also exported to the US and UK. They too do not demand any price for the idols but are ready to accept even a coconut in exchange for an idol. Interestingly, all these men are  educated and some are even bank employed.

In Carstreet Damodar Shenoy is into this profession  since 53 years and has also won several awards. He has the skill to make the idols within a week.

In Carstreet another artiste Kishore Pai too is  into this profession.  He learnt the art in Mumbai and can create Ganesha of different shapes.

Almost all of them say they do not fix any price by devotees purchase them for anywhere ranging from Rs 3000 to Rs 15000.

The festival of Ganesha Chaturthi is one that promotes harmony in the society and and also peace and brotherhood.

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