As Ganesh Chaturthi nears, several apartment communities are hosting clay idol-making workshops with the idea of crafting eco-friendly Ganeshas while turning common spaces into hubs of creativity and community bonding.

Inspired by schools

“It’s been two years since we introduced the idol-making workshop at our apartment. The response has been tremendous. Currently, we make our own Ganeshas for pooja and abstain from buying them,” said Neeraj Rai, an association member of G.R. Sagar Nivas apartments, Akshaya Layout, Bengaluru.

Kruthi Rai, a resident of the same apartment, added that the idea stemmed from a workshop held in her daughter’s school. “Our daughter and friends were making their own idols in school. Seeing her excitement throughout the process, we wanted to bring that very spirit home.”

While around 35 children participated in the first year, the count has gradually grown to almost 60 persons, including parents and senior citizens. The celebrations stretch from groundwork for making idols to setting up the pandals.

Growing in size

“Our apartment is substantial enough to host the workshop within the residence. If the area permits, we will gladly welcome more participants and scale it up to the neighbourhood level,” added Mr. Rai.

Aarthi Manivannan, a tenant in the apartment complex, currently carries out the workshop for the children. “Making clay pieces is a hobby. When the building association members reached out, I was more than happy to help,” she said.

The required materials are ordered online in advance, as the making of the idol is time-consuming. The idols are then placed in the clubhouse for further rituals and worship.

Additional income for artists

The residents of Brindavan Palms at Naganthpura have come together this year to hold clay idol-making workshops. “It is our first time curating an experience like this. We now look forward to making it an annual ritual,” said Roopa Iyer, a resident.

The pottery workshops are opening up new channels of income for traditional artisans.

Suresh B. R., a fourth-generation potter, said, “This time of the year is when we juggle between the usual sales and the workshop classes.”

While a one-to-one session at his studio in Pottery Town costs around ₹200 per person, a workshop at an apartment would fetch him upwards of ₹3,000 depending on the distance travelled.

“I travel every day to numerous apartments for workshops while also selling idols back home,” he added.