MAPUSA
Despite government's efforts to ban entry of plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in the State, traditional clay idol artisans are facing stiff competition.
The PoP idols, often perceived as more aesthetically appealing and easier to transport due to their lightweight nature, continue to dominate the market, overshadowing the work of clay idol makers.
This year, the government has increased subsidies to encourage traditional artisans who craft Ganesha idols from clay.
However, the artisans themselves believe that financial support alone is insufficient.
They are advocating for a more sustainable solution: investment in training programmes to inspire the younger generation to join the profession.
"This will not only create new artisans but also generate more jobs for the youth," said Priyadarshan Salgaonkar, a veteran clay idol artisan from Nachinola.
"The new workforce entering the field will benefit senior clay artisans, who can then hire these young individuals to assist in idol-making."
Salgaonkar, who has been in the profession for 30 years, produces around 200 idols each season, serving clients across the State, including in Aldona.
However, he points out that the biggest challenges they face are a shortage of labour and difficulty in sourcing the right kind of mud needed for the idols.
"The lack of workers is a pressing issue," Salgaonkar explained.
"The government should focus on training new artisans by organising workshops. This would not only provide employment opportunities for the youth but also ensure that seasoned artists have the help they need. Moreover, it would enable budding artists to receive the necessary training."
He also emphasised the economic benefits of such an initiative.
"If we can produce more idols, there will be a greater supply in the market, which could potentially reduce the influx of PoP idols," he said.
Salgaonkar, who holds a degree in Fine Arts, began making clay idols as a hobby before turning it into a full-time profession in 1993. His handcrafted idols are in high demand across various parts of Goa.
However, he acknowledges that the popularity of PoP idols, with their attractive appearance and ease of transport, has negatively impacted the demand for traditional clay idols.
"The perception is that PoP idols are more desirable, which has hurt the market for traditional artisans," Salgaonkar noted.
He urged the government to take stricter measures against the influx of PoP idols, which typically enter the state months before the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
"The government needs to enforce stricter actions against these idols. If they do, it will help revive the traditional clay idol industry."
Another challenge faced by clay idol makers is the ban on sand mining, which has made sourcing the appropriate clay soil increasingly difficult and expensive.
"The soil used to make these idols is now costly. The government should intervene to make this soil available at a fair price," Salgaonkar suggested.
As Chaturthi approaches, traditional clay idol makers like Salgaonkar continue to hope for more comprehensive government support “ beyond subsidies “ that will help sustain and grow their craft in a market increasingly dominated by PoP idols.
