Dasara ups demand for Channapatna toys

There are over 4,000 artisans in Channapatna, 500 of whom are experts in making traditional Dasara dolls

Traditional Channapatna non-toxic wooden-and-lacquerware toys have seen a surge in sales with the onset of the Dasara season.

The practice of exhibiting dolls at home during Dasara is a centuries-old tradition and, according to traders at Channapatna, people are rushing to buy products for ‘Gombe Pradarshana’.

Channapatna is known as the ‘City of Toys’. There are over 4,000 artisans and many of them are working round-the-clock to meet the demand. Of the 4,000 artisans, around 500 are experts in making traditional Dasara dolls. For the last two weeks, factories at Channapatna are running continuously, artisans tirelessly working to bring out wonderful creations. A wide variety of traditional products are rolling out in several hundreds of cartons everyday.

The colourful toys/dolls symbolise the rich culture and heritage of the place, and they are globally acknowledged. The artisans depict their craftsmanship in their products by using ‘Aale Mara’, lacquer and vegetable dyes.

Of the various artefacts available in Channapatna, over 70% are smaller and priced between ₹10 and ₹50. Bowls to keep arishina-kumkum (turmeric and vermillion) are the cheapest, costing ₹10 each.

The demand for kings and queens, ‘Pattada Ane’ (royal elephant), Ambari elephant, sainiks, darbar sets, palace sets, Bhajana Mandali (music concert), Rama-Lakshmana and Sita, Hanuman, Dashavathara, Krishna Leele, Girija-Kalyana, varieties of Radha-Krishna and Ganesh, Shiva-Parvathi, Lava-Kusha, important characters of Ramayana and Mahabharata, and other major mythological characters has increased, said Nanjappa, a veteran artist in Channapatna.

People are also buying pen stands, napkin rings, lamps, bangles, miniature models of train-bus and other vehicles, candle stands, door handles, birds, clock towers, vegetable models, pencil box, chocolate box and ornament box, he told The Hindu.

The festivities have brought cheer to the makers owing to the good patronage, said Krishna of Sri Manjunatha Toys Factory in Channapatna. However, the prices of the toys have been increased by at least 20% compared to last year.

According to the traders, those who are settled abroad and in other parts of the country are also buying products.

Apart from artisans and traders, a large number of woodcutters, wood-turners, power-lathe and manual-lathe workers, fixers, carpenters, painters, lacquer and spray specialists, dressers and packers working are also working in the industry in Channapatna.