An artisan making Ganesha idols in Manamadurai.

| Photo Credit: L. BALACHANDAR

With Vinayagar Chathurthi approaching on September 14, the creation of Ganesha idols is in full swing across Manamadurai in Sivaganga district. Over 300 families in Manamadurai and neighbouring regions of the Sivaganga district sustain a rich tradition of pottery. Throughout the year, these artisans craft a variety of seasonal clay items—including lamps, water jugs, stoves, cooking pots, deity idols, and ritual fire-pots (agni satti)—which are then marketed through the local cooperative society. With Vinayagar Chathurthi approaching on September 14, artisans in Manamadurai have ramped up the production of clay idols. This comes as no surprise, as the town’s renowned GI-tagged pottery enjoys an immense demand State-wide. Artisans are crafting eco-friendly clay idols in diverse forms—such as Kuthirai Vahana (horse mount), Simma Vahana (lion mount), Nanthi Vahana (bull mount), Moongooru Vahana (mouse mount), and Naga (serpent) Vinayagar.Driven by a surge in State-wide orders, these traditional craftsmen are busy moulding custom-sized idols ranging from 3 to 6 feet in height. In addition to larger pieces, workers are utilising mould casting to produce half-foot and one-foot idols in large quantities for the wholesale market. According to local artisans, painting will begin next week, and the finished idols will soon be dispatched to customers. Pandi, a Manamadurai pottery worker, said, “Lately, various idols are also being made using flour products and chemical mixtures. Nevertheless, clay idols made in the traditional way remain as popular as ever. When clay idols are dissolved in water bodies, there will be no harm. We fix the prices according to the height and designs of the idols.” “Even though many idols are now made using flour products and chemical mixtures, traditional clay idols remain as popular as ever,” shared Pandi, a pottery worker from Manamadurai. “Unlike alternatives, dissolving clay idols in water causes no environmental harm. We price our work based on the height and intricacy of each design,” he added. Published - August 24, 2026 06:32 pm IST