The New Indian Express ·
Clay Ganesha idols put green choice in focus in Vijayawada
VIJAYAWADA: On Vijayawada’s roads, Ganesha has already begun to arrive, in towering idols waiting for pandals, in rows of brightly painted faces at roadside stalls and in the smaller clay figures devotees carry home. But behind the colour and celebration is a choice that will eventually follow every idol into the water: Plaster of Paris (PoP) or clay?
As Ganesh Chaturthi draws closer, idol sellers across the city are stocking up. With PoP idols continuing to dominate because of their smooth finish, vivid colours and elaborate detailing. Eco-friendly clay idols are available too, but sellers say they often have to convince buyers to look beyond appearance.
For 70-year-old potter Raghaviyah, who has spent nearly two decades making Ganesha idols, there is little doubt about what belongs in the water. His idols are made from natural clay sourced near the Polavaram canal area, along with coconut fibre and slaked lime.
