Potters Make Hay As Demand For Eco-friendly Idols Surges | Allahabad News – Times of India

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Prayagraj: Amid boycott appeal of Chinese goods during Diwali, the demand for locally made idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi and diyas have surged manifold in Sangam city.
And making the most are the potter community who are working overtime to meet the meet the increased demand. These potters are even using homemade colours to make eco-friendly idolsand diyas.“The demand for idols is far more as compared to previous years. No matter what the reason is we are happy that it is helping us monetarily. The best part is that this year, retailers are demanding more decorative idols and that too bigger in size which fetches us handsome profit,” said Ghanshyam Kumhar, an artisan from Baluaghat locality. The idols are made of biodegradable materials like cow dung, lac, coconut shells and jute, clay and natural colours.
As go-green is the new mantra, citizens are saying no to idols made of chemical, plaster of Paris, clay, plastic or thermocol. Pointing out that it is an easy process to sculpt an eco-friendly idol, local sculptors claim they have been making idols of other gods and goddesses like lord Hanuman, Durga, Kuber and Saraswati too.
Moreover, these idols are reasonably priced too. Ranging from Rs 20 (per pair of Ganesha and Lakhsmi) to Rs 150 and 250, these idols are giving a tough competition to the one brought from neighbouring markets like Chunar, which is famous for making idols of ceramic.
These idols are liked by both local customers and also by the officials of the UP-Pollution Control Board. “While locals are happy that there is something to fit their pockets, we are happy that this reduces water and soil pollution,” said regional officer, UPPCB, Prayagraj, RK Singh.
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