Dadar is a popular destination in Mumbai for all festival shopping. People from across the city have been coming here to buy Ganesha idols and other items of decoration. This time around, the all-time crowded Dadar witnesses an additional buzzing crowd of excited Mumbaikars. Photo Courtesy: Amogh Golatkar 

In addition to other places in Mumbai, Dadar too, is an especially popular place for Ganesha idol shopping. Idols here are made by experienced idol makers who have been in the business for over 30-40 years. Photo Courtesy: Amogh Golatkar 

One such idol maker is Kishore Govind Divekar (65), a self-learned murtikar. He has been making idols for the past 30 years under Omkar Ganesh Pratimalay, a stall selling Ganesha idols made of both POP and clay. His son, Yatin Kishor Divekar (40) has now taken it upon himself to continue his father’s legacy. Yatin too has been making idols for years now and developed an interest for the same when he was in his 10th standard. Photo Courtesy: Amogh Golatkar 

Another Dadar-based idol seller is Santosh Nirvan (53) of Atharva Arts who sells only eco-friendly idols in Dadar. While he isn’t an idol maker himself, he helps his son-in-law Mahesh Trimbak Kadam (30), who has been in the idol-making business for the past 27 years, in selling idols. Photo Courtesy: Amogh Golatkar 

Both Yatin and Nirvan highlight the cultural significance of Ganesotsav for the residents of Dadar. According to both, devotees who have been bringing Bappa into their homes for decades prefer traditional designs and don’t like many changes in their idols. This is unlike many people today who demand more trendy, animated or filmy variations in the idols. Photo Courtesy: Amogh Golatkar 

Speaking about decor items, especially the ‘makar’ in which the idol is placed, is also one of the major attractions during the festival. Shoppers can find colourful decor items in Dadar market outside the railway station. Hardev Arts which specialises in ‘makar’ making has been catering to customers' needs in an eco-friendly manner for the past 27 years. Photo Courtesy: Amogh Golatkar 

Ditching thermocol and plastic which even today is used by many as a decor material, Hardev Arts makes use of eco-friendly materials like cardboard, fabrics and nets. They start making the structures six months prior to the festival and display them for sale two months before Ganesh Chaturthi. This year, Hardev Arts has come up with many new designs that are worth checking out. Photo Courtesy: Amogh Golatkar