AMALAPURAM, INDIA, September 1, 2005: By Ganesh Chaturthi Day, thousands of Ganeshas from Gadilanka, a minor panchayat village in Mummidivaram mandal of East Godavari district, would find their way to various parts of the country. The icons, valued for their color combination and finish, are much sought after. For some 70 families in this village of 200 households, making Ganesh icons is a major source of income. Over 600 persons, including children, work for five months to make Ganesh icons. Since August, thousands of icons of all sizes are kept to dry on every roof in Gadilanka. “What we earn from making Ganesh icons will take care of our needs for the whole year. Our icons go to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Orissa,” said Mahadasa Eeswaramma, an icon-maker. The art of Ganesha icon making came to the village thanks to Peddireddy Venkanna some four decades ago. He learned the art of making Ganesha icons from clay, lime and paper pulp at Draksharama and taught the villagers. “The quality of our paints is very good and the icons retain their lustre for at least three years,” said Pedireddy Rammohana, grandson of Venkanna. However, the Gadilanka Ganeshas are facing stiff competition from the plaster of Paris Ganeshas which are cheaper.
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