Updated On: 16 September, 2023 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Aakanksha Ahire
Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi 2023, we spoke to idol makers of Dadar who highlight the struggles of meeting customer demands, the need to preserve culture and the art of idol-making

Every year, murtikars make a sale of over 350 idols. These idol makers sell murtis at prices starting from Rs 2,000 which go up to Rs 16,000 depending on the size and its artistic value. Photo Courtesy: Amogh Golatkar
The beautiful murtis (idols) of Lord Ganesha that we bring into our homes and adorn with much love are all efforts of the talented murtikars. Sadly though, their attention to detail and intricate artistic skills often goes unnoticed by most buyers. Murtikars, especially, those who have been making idols for the past 30 years feel dejected when buyers choose to buy murtis made from plaster of paris (POP) over their beautiful pieces of art only because they are available at throwaway prices. Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi 2023, Mid-Day conversed with murtikars based in Dadar, a popular destination in Mumbai for all festival shopping, who share details about customer preferences and the art of idol making.