“There has been a transformation in the pen. We have been making idols of Ganesh for four generations. In the past, these were modest, small clay statues designed for festivals. We usually make idols ranging in height from eight or nine inches to two feet, with large Parts depict Lord Ganesh in the Padmasana posture. These idols have no ornate embellishments or embellishments. Pen Ganpati is popular mainly because of its artistry in depicting pure, serene eyes.” Pen Murthikar Sanghatana (Idol Maker organization) Chairman Shrikant Deodhar said in an interview. Business line.
He further stated that contemporary artists now create icons based on the specific needs and preferences of their customers. According to Deodhar Nationalized Bank, which provides loans of around Rs 400 crore annually to idol makers in Pen district, the district’s turnover is expected to be around Rs 600 crore.
There are about 2000 sculptors or artists in Pen taluka. These highly skilled individuals collaborated to create a masterpiece from which the molds for the mass production of Plaster of Paris replicas were generated. The entire production process of each idol goes through the hands of approximately 20 to 25 artists. Professional craftsmen are responsible for assembling the idols, adding color to the eyes, and decorating them with ornaments and other details.
export demand
In the past, Phang’s artists mainly supplied their idols to cities in Maharashtra. However, with the popularity of the Pen Idol brand, demand started emerging in areas such as Gujarat, New Delhi and Andhra Pradesh. The demand for pen idols in the international market has also been growing over the past few years.
According to preliminary estimates, around 15,000 Ganesha idols have been shipped out of Pen taluka this year. Most of these orders come from the Maharashtrian community living in the UK, US and Australia. Interestingly, there is now a growing trend of immigrants from other states in India also ordering Ganesha statues made in Peng.
Traders and export agents are connected with idol factories to facilitate export of idols using containers. While some factories comply with export regulations by packaging the idols themselves, many others simply hand over the idols, with the packaging process handled by outside agencies.
Factory owners say demand for foreign idols has increased this year. “There is no specific reason for the increase in exports. But we can observe that more and more people are celebrating,” Deodhar added.
