SAGUN GAWADE/MYOLA JOANES
MAPUSA: Jayant Yeshwant Natekar, a 45-year-old 4th-generation sculptor from Khorlim-Mapusa, stands as one of the last remaining artisans keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Specialising in both Lord Krishna and Ganesh idols, Natekar carries the weight of a 200-year-old cultural heritage on his shoulders—a heritage that’s fading as fewer sculptors remain to uphold it.
“For some residents, this festival carries more emotional and cultural weight than Ganesh Chaturthi,” Natekar reflects. “The worship of Lord Krishna has been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m proud to be part of that tradition.”
Natekar’s skills are sought after not just during Ganesh Chaturthi but also for the lesser-known Lord Krishna festival, celebrated passionately by the people of Mapusa’s Ansabhat and Kasarvaddo wards. While most of Goa gears up for Ganesh Chaturthi, these two wards focus on honouring Lord Krishna with fervor. “These areas celebrate Krishna with a devotion that, for many, surpasses Ganesh Chaturthi,” Natekar explains. Around 150 families in Mapusa welcome hand-sculpted Krishna idols into their homes for 17 to 21 days, honoring the deity with rituals, prayers, music, and gatherings.
Despite being one of the last in his trade, Natekar continues to sell his idols in Mapusa market, each piece crafted with painstaking precision. “There’s something special about creating these idols with your own hands,” he says. “Every curve, every feature is carved with dedication. But it’s not easy. We are few, and the demand for ready-made, mass-produced idols is growing.”
Over the years, the number of skilled sculptors has dwindled, and Natekar notes with concern that the craft is struggling to survive. “It’s only the older families in Mapusa who still uphold this tradition,” he says. “The newer residents who’ve moved in don’t get involved in the festival preparations, and the younger generation doesn’t want to continue this labor-intensive trade.”
In addition to the cultural significance of the Lord Krishna festival, Natekar also sculpts Ganesh idols, a tradition even more widely celebrated across Goa. Both festivals keep him busy during the peak season, but outside of these months, there is little work. “Once Ganesh Chaturthi and Krishna Visarjan are over, we have months with no orders,” Natekar laments. “It’s hard to survive on this craft alone.”
The rise of ready-made idols also threatens the livelihoods of traditional sculptors like Natekar. “Vendors are bringing in ready-made idols, and many people buy them because they’re cheaper and easier to transport,” he explains. “But the clay idols we craft are eco-friendly and made with love and patience. It’s frustrating to see the market flooded with mass-produced idols when our work takes so much time and effort.”
Despite these challenges, Natekar remains committed to preserving the art form that has been passed down through his family. “Manpower has become scarce, and I’m one of the few sculptors left,” he says. “The younger generation doesn’t want to continue because it’s hard to make a living from it. But I can’t let go of this legacy, not yet.”
Even with little government support, Natekar continues his work. “We don’t receive much help with setting up stalls or transporting idols,” he says. “Everything costs money, and it’s difficult to make a profit these days. But this is our tradition, and as long as I can, I’ll continue.”