SHYAM ZAMBAULIKAR
MARGAO: As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, the Shetkar family of Sirvoi, Quepem, finds themselves immersed in their age-old tradition of crafting beautiful and aesthetic Ganesh idols. This family has become well-known in Quepem for their exquisite handmade idols, which grace numerous homes during the festival.
The family’s journey in idol-making began over 35 years ago. Today, Ulhas Shetkar, who learned the craft from his father, continues this tradition with the same dedication and passion, along with his sons and daughter.
With Ganesh Chaturthi set to be celebrated on September 7, artisans across Salcete, Quepem, and nearby areas are busy putting the final touches on their idols, which they have been meticulously crafting for the past two months. Ulhas, who is currently finishing up around 200 idols for this season, emphasised that the work is not done for profit. “We make these idols with great devotion, setting aside the profit motive. Our 78uancestors never made any profit from this trad either. This is a tedious job that requires a lot of concentration,” he explained.
The process of making these idols is labour-intensive, starting nearly three months before the festival. The clay used for the idols is sourced from nearby fields and must be prepared well in advance of the monsoon season. “Once the clay is brought, it is moulded for some time before it is ready for use in idol-making,” Ulhas described.
Ulhas’s entire family gets involved, each member contributing to different aspects of the idol-making.
Ganesh idols created by the Shetkar family are typically priced between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000, with larger idols commanding higher prices. While some devotees opt for larger, more elaborate idols from Chitrashalas in Margao or even from outside the State, the Shetkar family’s creations hold a special place in the hearts of local residents.
The festival also brings with it a demand for decorative makhars and pandals, an integral part of the celebrations. Mahesh Nayak, a social worker, pointed out that the decorations are not just about aesthetics but also about pleasing Lord Ganesha. “The festival, filled with fun, dance, modak, and mainly puja ceremonies, is made even more beautiful with creative ideas when it comes to setting up makhars and decorations,” he said.
In Margao alone, there are over 15 Chitrashalas where thousands of Lord Ganesh idols, including large ones, are crafted each year. Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav is celebrated in various locations across the town.