Pen's Ganesh idol makers get Delhi platform through ex-MP's initiative

With Ganeshotsav approaching, special emphasis is being placed this year on an eco-friendly celebration. As part of this, an important initiative has been undertaken to give the famous, traditional Ganesh idols of Pen in Raigad district recognition across the country. Through the efforts of former Rajya Sabha MP and BJP South Raigad district president Dhairyashil Patil, Pen's Ganesh idols have found a place directly at the Maharashtra Emporium in Delhi.

The traditional Ganesh idol-making craft of Pen is not just a local identity, but is considered an important legacy of Maharashtra's rich art and culture. With the aim of taking this craft beyond the state's borders to the entire country, Dhairyashil Patil took this special initiative.

Under his leadership, and based on a concept by Pen corporator Pallavi Prasad Kalekar, Pen's well-known Ganesh idols have been made available for sale and exhibition at the Maharashtra Emporium in Delhi for the first time. This has given Pen's idol makers a chance to reach customers and art lovers directly at the national level.

Not limiting himself to just supporting the initiative, Dhairyashil Patil personally visited the exhibition centre in Delhi. During the visit, he met Pen's idol makers and artisans, asked after their well-being, took stock of their work and encouraged them.

This opportunity to take Pen's Ganesh idol-making craft to the entire country through Delhi could prove historic. It will help local artisans get a bigger market for their traditional craft, while also building recognition for Pen's name across the country.

Separately, eco-friendly Shadu clay Ganesh idols made by Pen's idol makers have also been made available for Ganesh devotees in Mumbai. Through the Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation, beautiful Shadu idols made by Pen's idol makers and women's self-help groups have been put up for sale at the 'Marathi Maharashtra Emporium' at the World Trade Centre in Cuffe Parade.

This initiative was started through the efforts of the corporation's co-managing director Prashali Digavkar. Devotees will be able to buy these Ganesh idols at shop number A-30 of the 'Marathi Maharashtra Emporium'.

Idols made of Shadu clay have received special attention this year for an eco-friendly Ganeshotsav. A Shadu idol dissolves quickly in water during immersion, which helps reduce water pollution. According to information received, these idols dissolve in water in about 15 to 20 minutes.

This year, the rates of Ganesh idols have risen somewhat due to an increase in the cost of clay, transport and paints. However, since there is not much difference between the prices of POP and Shadu idols, devotees buying eco-friendly idols will not face a much greater extra burden.

While Pen's traditional Ganesh idol-making craft has got a national-level platform in Delhi, a separate stall has been set up for the sale of Shadu idols in Mumbai. This could make this year's Ganeshotsav significant for Pen's idol makers and women's self-help groups, both economically and in terms of promoting their craft.

Devotees interested in buying Ganesh idols have been asked to contact the number 7767057056. The centuries-old Ganesh idol-making craft of Pen has now reached from Delhi to Mumbai, giving this traditional craft recognition at the national level during Ganeshotsav.