Pen's Ganpati idols to be sold in Delhi, thanks to ex-MP's initiative

Preparations for Ganeshotsav are in full swing everywhere, with special emphasis this year on eco-friendly Ganpati idols. Former Rajya Sabha MP and BJP South Raigad district president Dhairyashil Patil has worked to give the famous, traditional Ganpati idols of Pen a new identity.

Pen's Ganpati idol-making craft is not just Pen's identity but represents the rich art and culture of the whole of Maharashtra. Dhairyashil Patil took a special initiative to take this local art to the entire country. Under his leadership, and with an idea from Pen corporator Pallavi Prasad Kalekar, Pen's famous Ganpati idols have been put up for sale for the first time at the Maharashtra Emporium in Delhi.

Notably, Dhairyashil Patil himself visited the exhibition centre in Delhi and spoke warmly with Pen's idol makers and artisans, encouraging them. Because of his support and forward thinking, the people of Pen have got a historic opportunity to take this craft to the whole country through Delhi, which is a matter of pride for all of Maharashtra.

While Dhairyashil Patil's initiative has brought Pen's craft national-level recognition in Delhi, Pen's idol makers have also found a platform in Mumbai. For Mumbaikars looking for genuine Shadu clay idols at the last moment, a useful initiative has been run through the Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation. Through the efforts of the corporation's joint managing director Prashali Digavkar, beautiful Shadu clay idols made by Pen's idol makers and women's self-help groups have been put up for sale at the Marathi Maharashtra Emporium (Shop No. A-30) at the World Trade Centre in Cuffe Parade.

Shadu clay idols look very beautiful and dissolve in water within just 15 to 20 minutes during immersion, causing no water pollution. This time, prices of idols have gone up slightly due to higher costs of clay, transport and colours, but since there is not much difference between the prices of POP and Shadu idols, devotees' pockets are not affected much.

Those interested in buying Ganesh idols have been asked to contact 7767057056. With Dhairyashil Patil's strong support, Pen's craft getting a national platform in Delhi and a special stall for eco-friendly idols in Mumbai have together made this Ganeshotsav a truly proud occasion for Pen's idol makers.