Mayiladuthurai artisans craft eco-friendly Ganesha idols ahead of Vinayagar Chaturthi
Artisans in Tamil Nadu's Mayiladuthurai district are finalizing eco-friendly Ganesha idols made from clay and paper pulp for Vinayagar Chaturthi, following government guidelines.
With Vinayagar Chaturthi approaching, artisans in Tamil Nadu's Mayiladuthurai district are putting the finishing touches on Ganesha idols at a workshop in Kanjanagaram village, Tharangambadi taluk. The unit, run by Sakthivel, has been busy crafting idols in various sizes, from small figures to those standing up to 10 feet tall.
The idols are fashioned from clay and paper pulp, then dried, painted, and adorned with crowns and ornaments. Many finished pieces are already lined up for sale, and residents from neighbouring villages have begun visiting the workshop to make their purchases.
Sakthivel, who learned the craft after finishing his education up to Class 6, describes idol-making as his family's traditional occupation. He emphasized that the materials used—paper pulp, paper dust, and tapioca flour—are those recommended by the government and are harmless to the environment. The idols are designed to dissolve easily in water and are neither too heavy nor too rigid.
He also noted that water-mixing paints, free of harmful chemicals, are used for decoration. Officials, including representatives from the Pollution Control Board, regularly inspect the manufacturing process and have confirmed that the materials meet environmental standards.
However, Sakthivel expressed concern over competition from Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, which he said poses a major challenge to traditional artisans. He suggested that halting the production and sale of PoP idols would create better opportunities for eco-friendly alternatives.
Kumar, State Vice President of Hindu Makkal Katchi, echoed this sentiment, urging the Tamil Nadu government to monitor and ban the illegal production and sale of PoP Ganesha idols. He called for strict action against violators and stressed the need to support artisans who produce environmentally friendly idols from paper pulp and tuber starch.
As the festival nears, the colourful, eco-friendly idols from Kanjanagaram are ready to be taken to homes and pandals across the region.