Concerted efforts by authorities and the growing environmental consciousness among the public have created an increasing demand for eco-friendly clay idols of Ganesha in Mysuru, in the run up to the festival to be celebrated on Monday, September 18.
So much so that even the colours used, in many cases, tend to be vegetable dye-based and diluted with water. As a result a majority of the traditional clay artisans specialising in the making of Ganesha idols have switched to the eco-friendly forms and eschew using any chemicals including paints.
There are nearly 100 clay artisans in Mysuru who cater to the festival requirement and make Ganesha idols. All of them have switched to making clay idols. The demand for clay idols devoid of colours is growing with each passing year and this is in sharp contrast when the concept of colourless idols were introduced some years ago.
