PONDA: Girish Navelkar, an artist from Marcela who so far made his living moulding clay Ganesh idols for ‘Sarvajanik Ganapati’ festivals has this time come up with an eco-friendly alternative—making Ganesh idols using paper-mache-clay to keep plaster of paris sculpture at bay.
“We always get to hear about the increase in usage Ganesh idols made up of plaster of paris and its adverse effect on environment. It takes months to dissolve which leads to death of large number of aquatic lives because of the water pollution it ensues. Thinking over it, as a remedy to reduce this pollution, I came up with an eco-friendly idea, i.e. making Ganesh idols using paper-smash-clay. In order to give it a try I tore few old newspapers and soaked it in water, which was then grinded. The mixture so obtained was transferred onto a dry cloth to squeeze excess of water. The dried paper mache along with small amount of chalk powder, organic glue and shaadu soil were mixed together to form dough,” said Navelkar.
The artiste in his debut year sculpted 20 paper-mache Ganesh and have 90 per cent of them booked in no time, he claimed. “It was great to see such a huge response towards the eco-friendly idols. They aren’t just eco-friendly but look as attractive as plaster of paris idols but they are lighter in weight yet durable. Next year I’m planning to increase the count by at least 200,” said Navelkar, who is in clay moulding for three decades.
Navelkar regrets that for last two pandemic years ‘Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav’ has lost its existence.
“To see an empty space where a huge idol once used to stand is very annoying,” he said.
The artist revealed that moulding of vivid sculptures, making of Chitrarath, deco work, painting was his main source of earning, which got stalled due to pandemic.
Navelkar claimed that he is into Sarvajanik Ganesh idols making out of artistic craze as its absolutely non-profitable profession. More than 15 Mandals in Marcela were making such idols at various locations. “We have never received any official subsidy but used to spend from our own pockets or raise funds through collections in fund boxes or donations to experience the pleasure of spreading joy. Although the State level competitions were held, no honorarium was accorded. As a result of which, majority of Mandals stopped making the big idols while the remaining ones had to stop forcefully due to surge of pandemic,” said Navelkar.
Keeping in mind the struggle and hard work of local artists and rise in environmental issues, the devotees should give first preference to buying of eco-friendly idols, he said.
All the cultural events and making of Sarvajanik Ganesh idols are cancelled even this year to curb the spread of infection. “Since it is cancelled for two consecutive years, I don’t think we will be able to make it any further,” said Navelkar.
