Clay crisis set to push up idol costs ahead of Ganesha festival in Bengaluru
However, this festive season is likely to burn a hole in the pockets of devotees, as idol prices are expected to surge 15-20% compared to previous years, thanks to a steep increase in the cost of quality clay soil and other raw materials.
Clay soil — which is crucial for crafting idols and is usually sourced from lakes or riverbeds in and around Bengaluru and Ramanagara districts — has become expensive, according to artists.
Many attribute this to the bounteous rainfall since 2024, which has left waterbodies filled to at least 50% of their capacity. "We normally source clay soil when the waterbodies either completely turn dry or water recedes to the bottom.
But this year, because of prolonged rains, all waterbodies had considerable water and it has been difficult to lift quality clay material. Yet, wherever it is available, like in Hoskote, Bagalur, Malur, and Kannur, we've been getting it," explained Suresh, an idol maker on Tumakuru Road.
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To deal with the clay scarcity, some even went to the neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to source raw material. "We can get clay soil locally, but the quality isn't that good. It doesn't bind well and often develops cracks once the idol becomes dry. Hence, we've got a few loads of clay soil from the Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. This clay is not only good in quality but also ensures no cracks in the idol after painting.
After preparing an idol with local clay soil and paddy husk, we coat them with this clay," said Shivanand, another idol maker.
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Artists at Pottery Town revealed that they have been paying between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 per load of clay soil weighing 1 to 1.5 tonnes, which is Rs 4,000 to Rs 7,000 more than in previous years. "We can't make 400-500 idols alone; we have to recruit assistants, which has added to the expenses. All this will push up the price of idols by 15-20%, depending on the size and category of idol," explained Rajashekhar, president of Kumbara Karakushala Kaigarika Sahakara Sangha.
Yet another artist, from Basavanagudi, pointed to the PoP (plaster of Paris) idols discreetly hitting the market despite the official ban. "While we struggle to make clay idols, these traders are discreetly pushing PoP idols despite the ban. Most of these sales happen through online platforms, and nobody will even get to know about them. The govt must crack down on such PoP storage points and traders."
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