Mid-Day Specials | Ganeshotsav 2024: The impact of rising Ganesh Idol prices on Mumbai’s devotees and mandals

As Ganeshotsav 2024 approaches, the city's markets are bustling with activity. Shops selling decorative items, electronic lighting systems, and sweets are experiencing a surge in customers.

Ganeshotsav, one of Mumbai's most celebrated festivals, has seen a sharp rise in costs over the years. What started as a modest community event has turned into a grand spectacle, bringing significant financial challenges for organisers and devotees alike. The increasing expenses reflect broader economic trends and changing societal expectations, raising concerns about the tradition's sustainability.

In Photos: Devotees carry Lord Ganesha idol ahead of Ganeshotsav festival

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The evolution of Ganeshotsav in Mumbai

Ganeshotsav, or Ganesh Chaturthi, was popularised in 1893 by Lokmanya Tilak to foster community unity and promote nationalist sentiment during the British Raj. Earlier, the festival featured simple, locally made idols, modest decorations, and community gatherings. However, as Mumbai grew in wealth and population, the festival evolved into a more spectacular affair, with larger and more elaborate idols, expansive pandals (temporary structures), and increasingly intricate cultural programs.

Why devotees are hesitant to pay rising Ganesh idol prices

One of the most significant contributors to the increasing costs is the growing demand for more intricate idols. Artisans now use expensive materials like Plaster of Paris, fibreglass, and eco-friendly options like clay, which, while environmentally beneficial, are costlier. The trend of opting for idols adorned with gold and silver further drives up the expenses.

As Ganeshotsav 2024 approaches, idol makers in Mumbai report being affected by inflation. Despite this, they note that public enthusiasm remains exceptionally high.

A Parel-based idol maker mentioned that inflation has driven up the cost of raw materials, leading to higher production costs. As a result, the price of idols has increased.

"Due to inflation, the prices of raw materials have risen, increasing our production costs by about 30 to 40 per cent. Consequently, the price of Lord Ganesha idols has gone up by approximately 20 to 30 per cent," said the Parel-based idol maker.

Pradeep Maduskar, a renowned sculptor from Girgaon and the owner of R.V. Maduskar Arts, said, "Inflation has significantly impacted our business. Due to rising prices, we've experienced a 30 to 40 per cent decline in sales, as people are increasingly reluctant to pay higher prices for Lord Ganesha idols."

"Due to rising costs, the price of raw materials needed for the idols increases by 10 to 15 per cent every year. As a result, we have no choice but to raise the prices of the idols by Rs 200 to Rs 300 annually," he explained.

"There's another reason why people are hesitant to pay more for idols. Nowadays, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) provides free clay and stalls to idol makers, but this is not extended to those of us who have been in the business traditionally. Instead, these benefits are given to small-scale idol makers. This creates confusion among people, who wonder why established idol makers like us have to raise prices," he added.

How rising costs and migration are affecting business

Elaborating on the decline in business, Maduskar said, "It's not just rising prices that are affecting us. Another significant factor is migration. With a lot of redevelopment happening in South Mumbai, while some people have stayed, many have moved to the suburbs or even left Mumbai altogether. This has also had a major impact on our business."

Sanjay, a Dadar-based vendor, said that artificial flower garlands, which were priced between Rs 50 and Rs 150 last year, are now being sold for Rs 100 to Rs 200. The prices of environmentally friendly makhars, which are used to place the idols, have also increased by 10 to 20 per cent.

The Dadar-based vendor, who also sells puja materials, mentioned that their prices have increased by 20 to 25 per cent. A set of puja materials that was priced at Rs 500 last year is now being sold for Rs 700. "The price of incense sticks has also risen, from Rs 500-900 per kilo to Rs 600-1,100 per kilo," he said.

Sanchit Walkar, a Parel-based vendor, said that the markets are ready for the festival, which is just a few days away. "Decorative materials have become 10 to 20 per cent more expensive, and puja materials have risen by 20 to 25 per cent. Additionally, due to increased fuel prices, transport costs have also gone up," he said.

Devotees feel the pinch

Amid rising prices of fuel and decorative materials, people across the city are feeling the burden.

Despite the significant increase in the cost of idols, flowers, and decorations this year, Mumbaikars are not holding back their spending on the city's most extravagant festival.

Milind Vanarse, a resident of Girgaon, said that Ganeshotsav is a century-old tradition. "We host guests for six days," said Milind, who has been purchasing his idol from the same artist for years. "Every year, the cost of the idol increases by Rs 200 to Rs 300, but we accept this without questioning the price increase," he noted.

Milind also mentioned the expenses for flowers and decorations. "On the first day alone, we spend around Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 on flowers, and we buy more as they wither," he said.

Sweets, which are an integral part of the festival, are bought from outside. "I haven't calculated the total yearly expense, but it has likely increased by about 10 per cent each year," he added, noting that only the quantity of sweets has decreased.

Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav mandals struggle with rising costs amidst fierce competition

Even the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals are feeling the financial strain. The competition to create the most spectacular pandal has intensified, with many mandals vying for attention through elaborate themes, intricate lighting, and detailed artwork. The costs of materials, labour, and technology - such as sound and lighting systems - have surged, making even a small-scale pandal a costly endeavour.

"Ganeshotsav is not just about worship; it has also become a cultural extravaganza. With the increasing number of devotees visiting pandals, security has become a paramount concern. Mandals now invest heavily in CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and security personnel to ensure the safety of participants. Additionally, crowd management infrastructure like barricades and traffic management systems adds to the overall cost," a member of Girgaon-based Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal said.

"The general rise in prices due to inflation has also affected Ganeshotsav. The cost of raw materials, labour, transportation, and logistics has risen steadily, reflecting the broader economic challenges faced by the country. While corporate sponsorships and donations have provided some relief, they have also contributed to the commercialisation of the festival. The pressure to deliver a grander celebration each year to attract sponsors has led to a vicious cycle of escalating costs," he added.

The rising costs have had a mixed impact on communities. "On one hand, they have led to more spectacular celebrations that attract tourists and media attention, boosting local economies. On the other hand, smaller mandals and less affluent communities struggle to keep up with the financial demands, leading to a growing divide between wealthy and less-privileged groups," the member of Girgaon-based Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal said.

In some cases, the burden of expenses has led to the decline of smaller, traditional celebrations, with many mandals either merging with larger ones or discontinuing their festivities altogether.

The escalating costs of Ganeshotsav 2024 in Mumbai reflect the festival's evolution from a simple community gathering to a grand public spectacle. While the rising expenses have brought new challenges, they have also sparked a necessary conversation about the sustainability and inclusivity of the festival. As Mumbai continues to grow and change, so too will Ganeshotsav, but it is essential to ensure that this cherished tradition remains accessible and meaningful for all, regardless of financial means.