Ganesh idol makers in Pernem are quite clear that what they are doing is not a business but preserving the traditions of their ancestors. The taluka is the birth place of artists and the intention of every artist is to preserve the tradition and culture that was begun by their ancestors so that the next generation can then take over.
And this is best seen during the period ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, when preserving tradition, they ensure that the Ganesh idols they make are of clay and created as their ancestors did.
“My father and my grandfather were into this and now my son is also helping me make idols,” said Bhanudas Sagun Kalangutkar. He added, “I am doing this just to preserve our ancestors’ tradition. My father had told me that whatever may happen I should not stop this tradition. This is an art and we should preserve it and this is the reason why I make idols every year. This is not business source, but it gives happiness and satisfaction.”
Today, despite the competition and availability of idols from outside Pernem, the tradition of making idols is still followed and is being passed from one generation to the next.
Since Pernem is known as the birth place of artists, one can find various kinds of artists in Pernem and Pednekars are now famous for making the best idols of Lord Ganesh.
Pernem taluka has around 70 to 80 idol makers who make around 50 to 250 idols every year. In Pernem there is also a tradition that a family will buy an idol from the same idol maker every year and this is going on for generations now. With this tradition, the idol makers don’t require to hunt for a market as they have their clients. This helps them sell the idols between Rs 500 and Rs 2000 depending on its size.
With a subsidy of Rs 100 for every idol, the idol makers here say they face no loss in making the idols. The amount of subsidy received is not as much as the expense but with the new techniques things have become easier.
Idol makers, however, have a complaint about the clay. They say that the quality of the clay is getting worse in Goa which has forced them to get clay from neighbouring State. Idol maker Shantaram Naik said, “We start the preparations well in advance so that we can finish the work on time. We get clay from Maharashtra and then start preparing the clay and mould it into a statue. The process is long but we make sure that we complete it on time.”
In Pernem, up to four generations from the great grand parents to their great grandsons, are following the traditions of making idol and the interest is still alive.
