He is without a doubt one of the more popular deities in the state. Come September 10, it will be Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh will be venerated in every other house. This year however will be overshadowed by the virus. The virus that has looked past all man made allegiances, it has decimated almost everything in its path. Now with a festival whose appeal is across denominations, how will it be celebrated this year? Importantly how has business been for those making and retailing statues?
Premnath Natekar is one of the bigger retailers of Ganesh idols in the state and said business was very low this year. He said “People are very worried about the third phase. We have also got fewer idols this year. The rains in Kolhapur had their effect. We also get idols from Pen district in Maharashtra but the rains hit that part too”. He said they had brought in 50 idols before the rains. Later they brought in 350 statutes of which 75 were still remaining. In Margao around 155 statues were sent and around 75 were remaining. Premnath said the cost of transport had increased due to the increase in the cost of diesel. In addition the cost of packing idols in Pen had increased. The rate of idols from the suppliers he said had increased by 25% but he had decided to increase it by 5 % and sell it to the customer. He said “Times are tough and we have to understand the pressures people are under. I feel the idols I have will be sold. I am confident.” When asked if he had any enquiries for a community Ganesh celebration, he said nothing had been forthcoming. Such inquiries usually result in the sale of bigger statues which automatically cost much more. He said once he had sold out the existing stock he would not be placing new orders. Well that is a reflection of the state of affairs.
Sushant Kunkoloenkar from Bicholim is a third generation sculptor and retailer of Ganesh idols. Bicholim he said was the heart centre of the business in the state. Sushant said in the villages around a 1000 idols were made. He said “Numbers have reduced because of Ganesh idols made of plaster. Some customers have moved to Ganesh made from other materials. There is a huge difference in price. Per ft it is Rs 2000. The average size of a Ganesh idol is around 1.5 feet to 2 feet. Clay idols are sold for around Es 2000-2500 while plaster is for around Rs 4000”. Now he said there were idols called Shaudamti ideally made of plaster and mud. He said the younger generation had different aesthetic standards and they were open to new designs. He said they made around 250 statues this year and prices had increased by minimum 10-15 percent. The cost of labour had increased as did the cost of paint which had to be passed on.
If these two are one end of the spectrum then Mahesh Bhomkar is on the other end. He makes Ganesh idols of stone which usually are placed in temples. But he also gets orders from residences. He said this year there was a significant drop in orders. He said a one feet statue of Ganesh would cost as much as Rs 25,000 which was ordered by people for their residences. He said it usually took him a month to make an idol or two depending on the size.
The sentiment generally is a bit down but the people of Goa will perhaps celebrate it like they did last year, whilst maintaining social distancing. One can only hope everyone maintains the protocols and ensures the festive occasion passes by without incident.