Murtikaars on why BMC's new rule to make Ganesh idols with clay is challenging

Updated On: 10 June, 2023 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Chavan

BMC’s directive that four-feet-high Ganesh idols this year must be made from clay has ruffled many murtikaars. Despite the civic body’s offer of free clay to these sculptors, the community expresses their reservations about this regulation

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An artist sculpts at More’s workshop in Kalbadevi. Pics/Pradeep Dhivar

Where are the clay artists?

Jayesh More, the fourth-generation murtikaar, shares his concerns about the lack of clay sculptors in the city

Mumbai’s oldest Ganesh mandal at the Keshavji Naik Chawl in Girgaum, hosts a two-and-a-half-feet clay idol every year that is being sculpted by the More family since 1893. Rajendra and Jayesh More are the fourth generation of the KG More Karyshala. “Once upon a time, we used to make 1,000 clay idols during Ganeshotsav. But today, there are barely 200 orders. PoP [Plaster of Paris] made things easier for everyone,” Jayesh Shrikant More, the younger brother who runs their original workshop in Kalbadevi, claims. “Although we appreciate these eco-friendly steps, the BMC still needs to think about the lack of workforce. Clay idols are extremely difficult to create and need years of experience and expertise to master. There are not enough artists in the market. Who will fill the void that this new directive creates?” he asks.
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