As the chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ echo far and wide, and the sweet aroma of steaming modaks fills the air, a different kind of devotion is taking shape. Across living rooms, art corners and studio floors, clay is being kneaded, fingers smudged, and faith seems to be taking shape in its purest form. Many people are creating Ganpati idols with their own hands from eco-friendly materials like wheat flour, husk, clay, coconut fibre, straws, and greens from nature’s bounty. It’s no longer about welcoming Bappa home; it’s about making him with your own hands!
DIY Lord!
“Making your own Ganesha feels more personal and meaningful. It’s not just about bringing an idol home but pouring love, creativity and devotion into it,” says Rashmi Closepet, Co-founder & Creative Director, Itsy Bitsy.
An increasing number of devotees want to make and mould Bappa idols with their own hands. Rashmi opines that it’s more about the journey, less about the result. For many families, getting together to sculpt a Bappa idol has become a family tradition. Rashmi says, “Recently, one of our customers told us that they had bought the Ganpati DIY kit last year and are already planning on a similar thing this year.”
While the process can get a little messy, it’s also surprisingly calming. Many say that sculpting or making their own Ganesha brings a sense of peace and presence. For some, it is a meditative process; for others, it is a spiritual and therapeutic experience.
The rise of DIY Ganesha kits has also made this hands-on devotion accessible. From natural clay to flour-based maati mixes or coconut fibre blends to seed-infused powders, these kits are as eco-conscious as they are user-friendly.
Devotion in Motion
The process is simple. It starts with a lump of clay, some water or oil, a ball of fibre, and a table. Once the idol takes shape, your artistic flair begins. Some may choose to have a bold outline carved across, while others may opt for eco-friendly paints. By the end of it all, what you’ve created isn’t just an idol- it’s a memory, one planted in reverence and devotion.
While the Bappa-making fever is soaring, one thing is clear: everyone’s got their fingers in clay — literally. From toddlers to parents, everybody wants to lend a personal touch to the Ganesha idol.
Kashmira Muley, a DIY enthusiast, says, “Celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi just gets more special with these eco-friendly Ganesha kits.” The kit comes with a mixture of natural clay and coconut fibre. A sustainable way of honouring the Lord! Kashmira shares, “What I love most is that after visarjan, the idol grows into a little plant, symbolising the continuous blessings of Ganesha.” Darshitha R, another enthusiast from Bengaluru, says, “The process of moulding and making Ganesha is easy and enjoyable.”
Spread Across Ages
People of all ages enjoy the DIY Bappa idol process. Salita Naik, Founder of Ibhanan Naman & Saki Redolence, says, “For those up to 12, it serves more as a curious endeavour. For younger adults, they simply enjoy the creative challenge it poses. For middle-aged folks, it’s more of a purposeful investment.”
Salita says, “Seniors add the cherry to the cake by bringing stories, songs and traditional knowledge to the entire process.”
The DIY Ganpati kits usually come with a step-by-step instruction manual. Rashmi quips, “The core idea is to make it approachable for all, not difficult.” Many also believe that such pursuits are more environmentally friendly as they say a blunt no to POP idols and chemical paints. Given the small size of the idols, they dissolve easily in a bucket of water. Some even grow into beautiful Tulsi plants.
Clay to Culture
This shift towards DIY Bappa isn’t just a trend; it is a silent revolution marked by a deep sense of devotion and environmental responsibility. There is also a rewarding feeling that comes with creating something on your own. A Bappa idol, that is not mass-produced or purchased, but that is soulfully sculpted and embraced!
Source link
