Eco friendly idols are the most sought item this Ganesh Chaturthi. The Ganpati idol fashioned from 'Chadu clay' which is taken directly from the river is seeing an increased demand this festival season, according to shopkeepers.
"People demand for the eco-friendly idols and we have made the idols from 'Chadu Clay' or the river clay as it dissolves in water within 10-15 minutes. Other larger idols take a little more time to dissolve in the water," says Mandar Shinde, curator of the idols at Maharashtra Emporio here.
Beginning today, the 10-day long festival, which is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, marks the birth of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed God in Hindu mythology.
Although the authentic idols are not available in the national capital, idols resembling Lalbaugcha Raja and Dagduseth Halwai have been the most selling item at the shop.
"In Mumbai we can get all kinds of idols, including the one seen in a recent movie. But for Delhi, the favourites are the Lalbaugcha Raja and Dagduseth. Others like Ashtivinayak and Titwala can also be bought," says Shinde.
The idols with prices ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 11,000 can as tall as 2 feet. The dresses for the idol, also known as 'Pitambar' are available along with the idol. But one has to buy Puja Thali and Puja Samagri individually from the shop.
"We have idols in the range of Rs 600 to Rs 11000 and our main customers are non-Maharashtrians," says Shinde.
While the shops are all geared up, the state house or Maharashtra Sadan in the national capital is all set to host the 10 day extravaganza. Invitations have been rolled out to all the MPs from Maharashtra and all the IPS and IAS officers of the Maharashtra cadre.
"We have invited all the MPs and IAS and IPS officers of Maharashtra. Also the events are open to all. We have organized Bhajans, Lavanis (folk dance of Maharashtra). The Ganpati would be established today at the Sadan," says Dayanand Kamble, Deputy Director, Maharashtra Information Centre.
The Ganpati idol to be established at the state house is brought from Maharashtra. Alongside a 'Mahaprasad' comprising of modak, puranpoili and other authentic Maharashtrian dishes is being organised on the 8th day for all those visiting the Sadan.
"Stalls of Maharashtrian delicacies including vadapav, bhel, puran poli are set up by the Maharashtrians at the Sadan," Kamble adds.
Artists from Maharashtra will showcase the traditional art from Maharashtra accompanied by a Zhanj path scheduled on Septmber 26.
