Gowri-Ganesha festival bolsters Mysuru’s traditional clay artisans

Traditional artisans in Mysuru have been kept busy with the onset of the Gowri-Ganesha festival season as they churn out eco-friendly idols from clay procured from rural hinterland.

Notwithstanding the growing presence of idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) in the market, the traditional artisans have held their ground and are confident that they can thwart the threat posed by PoP idols.

For families like that of Puttaswamy, vice-president of the Ganesha Gowri Eco-Friendly Idol Manufacturers’ Association, the period is both a celebration of devotion, and an important economic opportunity — sustaining livelihoods and preserving heritage.

Mr. Puttaswamy, who has been crafting Ganesha idols for over five decades, and has inherited the tradition from his forefathers, is confident that rising environmental awareness will create further demand for eco-friendly idols.

Operating from his makeshift studio near Varakodu on Bannur Road with the help of two to three skilled assistants, Mr. Puttaswamy said that even local authorities are aware of the presence of PoP idols and that they have cracked down on their sale.

But what is important is that the public itself is turning towards eco-friendly idols, thereby stimulating demand, which is rising with each passing year, said Mr. Puttaswamy.

There were hundreds of clay artisans in Mysuru decades ago and were mostly concentrated in Kumbarageri on Ashoka Road. But over the years, the families have dispersed and shifted to different vocations. At present, about 50 families continue to pursue their craft of making idols using clay.

“We have been making these idols for generations. It is our livelihood and heritage. Even my son, though working in a private bank and an MBA-degree holder, is keen on continuing the tradition,” said Mr. Puttaswamy.

While tradition and livelihood remain central, the artisans are adopting environmentally conscious practices such as using vegetable colours to paint the idol.

Rising costs of raw materials and transportation have added financial pressure in recent years. One of the association members said that a tractor load of clay that cost ₹8,000 last year, now sells for ₹10,000, with delivery charges making it reach upto ₹15,000.

Still, the demand for traditional idols ensures a steady income to sustain the artisans and helps to keep the craft alive. Clay sourcing is a careful process, with materials mainly procured from the backwaters of Krishnaraja Sagar and T. Narsipura.

“Not all clay is suitable; some develop cracks. So, selecting the right material is essential for quality idols,” according to the artisans, some of whom work in make-shift studios at Hebbal and other places.

The Mysuru City Corporation has encouraged the use of clay idols, while discouraging plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. Besides, there is an ongoing awareness campaign by the pourakaramikas, who play recorded messages when on duty during door-to-door collection of garbage in the morning.

Some NGOs like the Parisara Balaga conducted clay idol-making workshops for the public in association with Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, and the response was encouraging.