Anticipating good demand for Vinayagar idols, artisans of Melakondaiyanpettai near Tiruvanaikovil have started straining their nerves in moulding the images of the Lord in different shapes and sizes to cater to the market.
Melakondaiyanpettai accounts for a number of traditional artisans who are skilled in designing, moulding and painting the idols. Ranging from four feet to seven feet, the idols are made of eco-friendly materials and are free from dyes and chemicals.
Divided into groups, they have been working overtime for the past fortnight. “Last year, I got orders for 80 idols and there was a big demand at the eleventh hour, on the eve of the Vinayagar Chathurthi,” says V. Paramasivam who has employed six persons at his unit.
He says he has invested Rs. 5 lakh so far for making 80 idols of ‘Sri Mooshika Ganapathy,’ ‘Sri Mayil Ganapathy,’ ‘Sri Simha Ganapathy’ and ‘Sri Anjaneya Ganapathy.’ The price varies from Rs.3,700 to Rs.8,000, depending on the height of the idol.
Another artisan, M. Ponnusamy, says that painting of the idols will be taken up only after obtaining orders. They say that they usually got orders after the ‘Adi Perukku’ festival every year.
Rise in prices
They add that the idols will be costlier this year by at least 15 per cent over the last year’s rates because of the rise in the cost of raw material and paints.
The investment has had shot up from Rs.2,200 last year to Rs.2,700 now for the smallest idol. Labour cost has also escalated.
Despite the soaring prices of raw materials, the demand for the idols will be high, they say with a sense of confidence.
