At Banashankari, Pottery Town, and Malleshwaram, there are Ganeshas in various styles, design, and colour, including the Maharaja Ganesha, Ganesha with a guitar, Ganesha sitting on Nandi, peacock, a coiled snake, and an idol styled like Shiva holding Trishul and damru.
Saravana Kumar, a seller from Pottery Town, said: “The price range starts from ₹450 and goes upto 1 lakh depending on the size of the idols. There are sellers who come here to purchase in bulk quantities and they sell it at higher prices in the city”
“The Maharaja style is most famous as it is inspired by the style found in Mumbai. A five-feet Maharaja style Ganesha costs ₹4,000 to 5,000,” he added.
Amar, owner of Vinayak Entreprises in Banashankari, said: “Since it is difficult to source skilled labour as well as material to make 14 to 15-ft Ganesha idols, I placed an order with an idol maker in Hosur of Tamil Nadu last year, much in advance. A 10-12 ft Ganesha holding a guitar or sitting on Nandi is priced at ₹55,000. A Shiva-styled Ganesha costs ₹60,000. Then we have usual styles like those sitting on a mouse, lion, and more.”
Vintage Gowri and Ganesha
Even amidst the changing trends, some makers and sellers have retained the vintage styles.
Mahith from Gubbi Mane in Malleshwaram said: “All the idols in our shops are handpainted and not spray painted. Every year, we try and manufacture something extraordinary. This year, we prepared Seru Gowri, which is exclusively worshipped in Mysuru and even the palace.
He added, “Apart from this, we also have Bande Gowri, which is again unique as the thali women wear is painted on the shoulders of the idol. There is Mysore Muddu Gowri , which means a cute one, and Arshinada Gouri , which is a sacred cone shaped idol made from turmeric and water. The price for all idols range from ₹450 to ₹6,000.
