God is in the details

Every year, one comes across Ganpati mandals that prefer to experiment with designs and decorations -- from gigantic elephants welcoming deities to palki-carrying politicians. However, few dare to experiment with the design of the idol. Dhara Vora took up the challenge to scout for such idols. Here's what she came across, with less than a week to go before the elephant god arrives

God says relax

This idol was custom-made for a mandal in Santacruz by Kalasagar Arts at their huge workshop in Parel. “They have a garden theme and briefed us to make an idol in a relaxed pose,” says Laliket Kubal one of the art directors at the workshop. Even god gets tired.

Ganesha goes quirky

“Kids come and make demands and this idol is a result of one such fancy,” says Rajesh Gupta, the proprietor of Rajesh Art about the tricycle-riding idol and Ganesha on computer.

For: Rs 3,000
At: Rajesh Art, Mulund (W).
Call: 9820787775

Mythical to modern

This idol riding a bullock cart depicts Ganesha’s foresight where the world will be depleted of all its fossil fuels and in the second idol, he goes modern with a mobile phone. Pics/ Pradeep Dhivar.

For: Rs 1,080; Rs 675
At: Nirmitee Art Connoisseurs Gallery, SK Bole Road, near Portuguese Church, Dadar (W).
Call: 24229139

From film to idol avatar

This idol of Bal Ganesh is inspired by the kiddie movie Bal Ganesh. “It is because of the demand of kids that we got these made and it’s a big hit this year,” says Vijay Waikar from the workshop.

For: Rs 1,300
At: Sunil Art Waikar Bandhu, Paanch Rasta,u00a0Mulund (W).
Call: 9821020813

The Indian pied piper

Several mice who are known as the vahan or the vehicle of Lord Ganesh get together to form a palanquin or the Oondeer (mouse) Palki Ganesha.

For: Rs 2,300
At: Sunil Art Waikar Bandhu, Paanch Rasta, Mulund (W).
Call: 9821020813

Ganesha goes bling

One of the trends this year is idols decorated with rhinestones. From two feet idols for homes to large ones for mandals, workshops are hiring special craftsmen to specially do the time-consuming intricate work of sticking diamonds on the idols.

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