Crafting Ganesha..
Though I no longer live in Bombay, I still look forward to Ganesh Chaturthi every year. Part of the reason is that it signals the beginning of the festive season and the other is of course, the creativity in all of us that comes to the forefront. Every street has it own Ganapathi and the whole works around it is almost like a competition. Here are some of our Ganapathis 🙂 Check out some renditions of the elephant God from various craft forms across the country.
Made in Dhenkanal, Orissa, this Dhokra sculpture was handcrafted by Dushasan Behera.
Found in a small alley in Oklipura, Bangalore, this metal sculpture is used in homes for Puja (prayer)
The auspicious silver sculptures are part of the Puja (prayer) room. A new bride is gifted these as a symbol of luck and prosperity.
The stone sculptures of Shivarapatna in Kolar.
A modern style Ganesha made in Udaipur.
A Pattachitra of a five headed Ganesha from Orissa.
Ganesha masks on Papier-mâché.
That is me holding a Ganesha made with goat leather. The puppet craft Charmakari has Ganeshas on just about everything- lamps, puppets and even wall screens.
Sadly, every year after Visarjan (the day when the elephant god sculptures are cast into the water bodies), I hate to think of the pollution levels that our fun and festivals have caused the environment. A bio-degradable Ganapathi is a great option, but if you wish to retain your Ganapathi or even gift your friends, write to us at mail@craftcanvas.com.