PONDA: Idol makers Umanath Naik, his son Kedar Naik from Ponda taluka started modeling Ganesh idol since June and working day and night so that they can finish painting of the moulds on time so that they can hit the market before the festival commence September 10. Residents of Nageshi Bandora the whole Naik family contributes in making idols said they get mental satisfaction from making Ganesh idols.
“We enjoy three months of making idols. We never look at profit nor bothers for it as we get lot of happiness from our dedicated work in Ganesh idol making,” said the members of the family.
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Kedar said that more awareness is needed among people during festival to protect water bodies from pollution. He urged the people residing in the town to worship clay Ganesh idol and avoid idol made of plaster of paris for to prevent the pollution of water bodies. “While celebrating we should not harm our nature,” said Kedar.
He regretted that most of township locals prefer plaster of paris as they prefer light weight and small idols. “However they should move to clay idols because when we immerse the clay idols it dissolves in water within short period of time unlike idols made of plaster of paris that takes month-long time and also chemicals used in it causes pollution of water bodies,” said Kedar. His younger sister Shibra too echoed the same sentiments.
Kedar also stressed upon financial support from government to artists for preserving and passing the art to future generation. “In order to stop the imported idols in bulk from neighbouring States, government needs to support clay idol makers with more financial support, which would also help to preserve art. He said government provides them some subsidy but it is useful only if they get it on time; at least two months before the festival to buy material required for idol making.
“We began creating idols from June and made around 150 idols. The villagers carry idols on festival day. It cost around Rs 1000, 1500 to Rs 2000 per idol depending upon sizes.
Kedar said creating idol is a traditional practice, he and his brothers and sisters inherited from his forefathers.
