Ganesha Idol Making and Festival - Bengaluru
Different types of clay, colours, jute, Kodi matti etc. are brought from Kolkata. Bamboo, hay and other things are brought from the local markets. The local clay brought from the nearby field is mixed with the rice husk for the clay to be stiff and prepared to be applied.
The hay is tied as per the required human figures in the forms and pasted with clay mixed with the rice husk. It is then heated with the flames, such a way that the husk burns and takes the forms as per the posture of idol to be made and applied with the fine clay or the Ganga clay brought from the banks of river Ganges. The final touch is given by the different shaped wood pieces (edges as per the required shape) used as tools to shape and then the final touches are given to obtain the full outline of the idol to be made.
A mixture of Ganga clay made into paste form with water, a piece of cotton cloth immersed in this paste is further spread all over the idol to avoid the formation of cracks that will be formed. The idol is kept for drying under shade and then under sunlight for the proper setting (curing) of the clay. Separately made jewellery / ornaments with the help of moulds are placed on the idol and left for complete drying.
The idol is sprayed with water colour and then it is painted as per the forms of Gods/ Goddess. Final touches for the eyes of the idol is done and then the normal painting. The bottom portion of the idol is tied with the cloth material as per the forms of the Lord Ganesha. The idol is ready to be taken to various places for placing them, for the celebrations. As said by few people, while taking the idol, the puja is performed, then the face of the idol is closed with the cloth material (face till chest is closed with the cloth material). Similarly while removing the cloth from the face of the idol, puja is performed at the particular timings and then the cloth from the face is removed after placing it.
