Idols on display to bring good luck

The Telegraph, 3rd September, 2008

If you want to be blessed with your wish after visiting 108 idols on Ganesh Chaturthi tomorrow, devote some time at Jaydev Bhavan.
More than 500 idols of Ganesh have been put on display at Jaydev Bhavan. Around 25 artisans from across the state have grouped together to showcase their craftsmanship and present idols of the lord in various media.
The handicraft exhibition is organised by the Orissa Rural and Urban Producers Association (Orupa) to mark Ganesh puja celebrations in the city.
The exhibition-cum-sale will continue till September 4.
“It’s difficult to make a choice, for the number and variety of these idols are simply fascinating,” says Kumudini Das, a customer.
“A wide range of idols and images of Ganesh is on display. Made from various media, including straw, brass, terracotta, wood, fabric, papier-mâché, lacquer, horn-craft, palm leaf, dokra, seashell and appliqué,” said marketing executive Ashok Sahu.
He further said stocks worth nearly lakhs are on display for sale in the exhibition. “Theme-based exhibitions are popular in the state, especially Ganesh because with the several vesas (dresses) of Ganesha, the artists get a plenty of creative ideas,” he said.
The idols are available with Ganesh donning several dresses — one with musical instruments, adorning weapons and others dancing on the hood of a snake. There are Ganesh idols with several faces and others sleeping or reading books. Also there are sets with Ganesh forms like playing the tabla, flute, harmonium and various other instruments. Artisans have come from Konark, Kashipurm, Kalahandi, Olando, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Raghurajpur, Sambalpur, Arisal, Balasore, Nowrangpur, Nayakpatna, Nimapara, Jajanga and Kendrapada.