Idol makers stare at financial distress for a second year

Most shopkeepers are yet to place orders for Gowri, Ganesha idols

With the government ordering a ban on large-scale gatherings ahead of Gowri-Ganesha festivals, idol makers are facing financial distress for a second consecutive year. Prior to the pandemic, shopkeepers in the busy lanes of Malleswaram and other parts of the city would have already stocked up on idols in various hues, and taken orders and advances from customers. But with fears of a third wave, and the government’s ban on cultural gatherings, shopkeepers have not procured any Ganesha or Gowri idols so far, though Ganesh Chaturthi is less than 20 days away. V.B. Babu, whose family has been selling idols for the past 40 years, said that a month before the festival, at least 500 idols would be pre-booked. “This year, I am yet to place an indent for the idols. I will be getting idols that are less than 3-ft tall only next week,” he said. Another seller, K. Shankar, said the festival celebrations were likely to be low key, given the restrictions put in place by the State government. “Several families have lost loved ones to COVID-19 this year, and may choose to not celebrate the festival,” he said, adding that he still had unsold stock from last year.