MANIFOLD DESIGNS:The production of Vinayaka idols is going on at a brisk pace in Cuddalore.CUDDALORE:
The art of idol making reaches its acme during the Vinayaka Chathurti celebrations, but the preparations start much earlier, say, three months in advance.
Since June, the artisans have been busy procuring raw materials and preparing the moulds. Though it is an annual feature, (Vinayaka Chathurti falls on September 11) the artisans would have to keep their ears to the ground for they must invent new models every time to sustain their business and to face competition. Lord Vinayaka provides a vast canvas for the artisans to satisfy their creative urge to churn out new forms and shapes without any sort of repetitions, according to K. Mohan (37) of Manaveli in Vandipalayam, Cuddalore, who has been in the trade for over a decade. The artisans, in fact, vie with one another to bring out eye-catching designs, both in terms of grandeur and aesthetics.
Those artisans endowed with creative minds would obviously score over others. Mr. Mohan says that though the trade looks outwardly seasonal, it remains the mainstay for the artisans for the entire year. The demand has been surging year after year and it would further accelerate when the season nears. Mr. Mohan says he could discern from the public mood this year that every organisation wants to excel in the display of idols.
The best and the latest
Monetary aspects do not intervene in placing the orders, because the people always want the best and the latest. Mr Mohan says that though the law enforcing authorities have time and again, imposed restrictions on the size of the idols, it is not scrupulously followed in the rural areas. This is because unlike in urban areas where a claustrophobic atmosphere prevails, rural areas have ample space that could accommodate idols of any magnitude without causing any hindrance to the movement of traffic.
Mr. Mohan adds that besides the traditional mount Mushaka, he is also experimenting with other mounts such as lion, bull, cow and peacock. These figures, that add dimension to the idols, also instil among people, the need for safeguarding wildlife. There is good market demand, from both individuals and organisations and most of the orders are at the completion stage. The price tag varies from Rs 7,500 to Rs 10,000, depending upon the size and the materials—either paper mache or starch which will easily dissolve in water--used in the making. It is for the procurer to cart away the idols to their places but he would give them valuable guidance on safe transport, Mr Mohan says.
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