Ganesh Idol Making

There are numerous sculptors in the villages of Alibag region whose traditional business is of making Ganesh idols. The exquisite designs with the vibrant colours make the idols, attractive and lively. The eyes are drawn and painted in such a way that one feels as if Bappa is looking at him. The idols are in demand all over India and in foreign countries. The training is given by the older people to the young generation. Many artisans and craftsmen earn their living by making idols. The sculptors make the idols all year round. The painting and decoration works starts two months before the Ganeshotsav. It is a family business for some of the natives. The workshops/factories provide jobs to the locals, helping them to earn their bread and butter. The larger the demand of the idols, more is the financial growth of the people.

Idols from Pen

The religious festival, ‘Ganesh chaturthi’ is celebrated in enthusiasm in not only in Maharashtra but also other states. The perfectly crafted idols of Ganpati bappa made in Pen, near Alibag are famous world-wide and in great demand. This business can be traced back 125 years to Pen. It is believed that Bhikaji Krishna Deodhar initiated this work in Pen. Similar to Pen, there are many workshops (karkhana) making Ganpati idols. Initially, the idols were prepared from white clay(Chikann mati) found in hilly areas. Later, natural clay (shaduchi mati) was procured from Porbunder and colours from Germany. One of the natives, learnt the art of mould preparation from a mould industry owned by the British and applied his knowledge to prepare the moulds. In 1953, the plaster moulds were replaced by rubber moulds. The local artisans gradually developed the skills required to prepare these moulds. Many people learnt this art and became sculptors. They gained expertise in colouring and decorating the idols. As art has no boundaries, the villagers of the nearby areas mastered the skills and started making idols.