67-year-old Damodar Shenoy has spent most of his life making idols of Lord Ganesha. But, for this idol maker, life has remained the same over the years. With Ganesha Chaturti just a week ahead, the "God maker" is in full swing moulding clay and shaping them into beautiful Ganesha statues.
This is the only season for them during the year when every house will have a Ganesha idol installed.
Preparing idols of Ganesha is a religious commitment for Shenoy. In the dingy small room near the crowded Gujrathi restaurant near Ramakanti theatre, this sexagenarian gets down to idol making in fulfilment of his commitment to Lord Ganesha.
Shenoy has been carrying on this "Vrata" since 1960 and has made statues of 32 types of Lord Ganeshas.
From an idol as small as 6 inches to a huge 4 feet Ganesha, advancing age has not hindered the dedication of this sculptor, who took to idol making at a very young age.
My children are well placed and have nothing lacking in my life. But I become a worker and get down to the field to get clay during Ganesha Chaturti. I have always loved this work and do it not for money but as a service to the Lord,รข€ tells Shenoy.
During this time of the year, Shenoy becomes a vegetarian and follows a strict diet and leads a life with no impurities in action and thought. Shenoy does not use a mould to prepare the idols, but shapes each statue with his fingers.
What is unique about Shenoy's Ganeshas is that he paints intricate designs on the idols. The Ganesha with a shawl is his speciality.
The idol maker left school when he was in class six and has been into idol making since then. Surely a silent service to God that deserves appreciation.
This is the only season for them during the year when every house will have a Ganesha idol installed.
Preparing idols of Ganesha is a religious commitment for Shenoy. In the dingy small room near the crowded Gujrathi restaurant near Ramakanti theatre, this sexagenarian gets down to idol making in fulfilment of his commitment to Lord Ganesha.
Shenoy has been carrying on this "Vrata" since 1960 and has made statues of 32 types of Lord Ganeshas.
From an idol as small as 6 inches to a huge 4 feet Ganesha, advancing age has not hindered the dedication of this sculptor, who took to idol making at a very young age.
My children are well placed and have nothing lacking in my life. But I become a worker and get down to the field to get clay during Ganesha Chaturti. I have always loved this work and do it not for money but as a service to the Lord,รข€ tells Shenoy.
During this time of the year, Shenoy becomes a vegetarian and follows a strict diet and leads a life with no impurities in action and thought. Shenoy does not use a mould to prepare the idols, but shapes each statue with his fingers.
What is unique about Shenoy's Ganeshas is that he paints intricate designs on the idols. The Ganesha with a shawl is his speciality.
The idol maker left school when he was in class six and has been into idol making since then. Surely a silent service to God that deserves appreciation.
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