Ganesh Chaturthi: Delhi is all hands-on to craft Bappa idols

From group sessions for beginners, to intimate one-on-ones where you can take your time and also get access to DIY kits that turn idol-making into a family activity, there are plenty of Ganesh idol making workshops to choose from ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi (September 14) is what Delhiites are eagerly waiting for. Reason? Many residents have already enrolled themselves in Ganpati idol making workshops, to bring Bappa home with full fervour. It’s no longer just Maharashtra that gets the spotlight during this festival’s celebrations as Delhiites believe in getting hands-on experience by learning how to make their own Ganesha idols. From group sessions for beginners, to intimate one-on-ones where you can take your time and also get access to DIY kits that turn idol-making into a family activity, there are plenty of options to choose how you wish to get creative ahead of the festive.

Many residents have already enrolled themselves in Ganpati idol making workshops.

“There is a different feeling of devotion you feel when you take home a Ganpati idol that you craft with your own hands,” says Mukesh Kumar, who is conduring terracotta Ganesha workshop by TalesofCity. The Delhi-based terracotta artist adds, “You don’t need to know how to sculpt. You don’t need to know the difference between every technique or have an artistic epiphany waiting in your pocket. You just need to be willing to sit down with a piece of Earth, and the will to give life to Ganesha. It’s not possible to finish the idol in two hours so we show the participants how to continue creating it at home, and so it travels safely while the clay is still soft. After the session, we add the participants to a group where they can send the progress photos and even ask for practical solutions such as in cases if the idol cracks.”

Making this activity a more immersive experience, than merely a 2-3 hour workshop, some enthusiasts are preferring to book slots to create their Ganpati idols at their own pace. “Depending on how big they want their idol to be, if it is say 12 inches then one can book two days with 4-5 hours on each day,” says Shipra Goyal from the Chaak Pottery Studio in Greater Noida, adding, “Of late, many devotees come in before the Ganpati sthapana, for which they need to build the idol with much detailing. So after shaping the Ganpati, once it dries, we help them with the detailing done using paint, especially the eyes. We even decorate their idols with elaborate detailing such as adding the safa (turban) or patka, and the mala, after which they take it home for sthapana or pooja.”

The Ganpati-making workshops are also turning into a reason for families to come together to spend some time toegther. Goyal, who is offering DIY kits for such family experiences, adds: “The DIY kits are especially for family time. The child can paint the idol, and the whole family can get involved in this activity. There are four-five designs to choose from.”

Beyond the together time, the focus hasn’t shifted from the need to stay eco-friendly. Affirming this is Pooja Verma, from clayingthoughts, who is all set to host ganpati idol-making workshops in Noida. “Around eight to nine participants, across four workshops, have booked with us to learn how to make Ganpati and each of these workshops is almost full. These have gained popularity because when you create Ganesha, it gives you the feeling as if you are creating a baby. The hands, little fingers, head, trunk, you keep adding it step by step. So it’s like creating a creator with your own hands. The wet clay idols take about a week to dry, after which participants get onto painting these at home. But, we now encourage them not to use colours because if they are so invested in making eco-friendly Ganpati then why not limit it to just one haldi ka tilak and place it for the puja.”

Catch It Live

Terracotta Ganesha Workshop

Where:The Kunj, Vasant Kunj

When: August 23

Timing: 1pm to 3pm

Entry: ₹1,199 (www.talesofcity.com)

Ganesha Making Workshop

Where: Claying Thoughts Pottery Studio, Sector 21, Noida

When: August 30 and September 6

Timing: 3pm to 6pm

Entry: ₹1,800 (+91-9971968689)

Ganpati Idol Sculpting Workshop

Where: Chaak Pottery Studio, Sector 2, Greater Noida

When/Time: Customise per your schedule

Entry: ₹1,000/per person for group booking for a 12 inch Ganpati idol (+91-7455847083)

Online Ganesh Idol Making Workshop

When: Saturdays

Entry: ₹1,200 (Contact +91-9820881252 for material to be shipped at home)