Restrictions on Ganesha idol troubles makers

Coimbatore, Aug 9: Makers of God Ganesha idols for the Ganesh Chaturthy celebrations on August 17, are in a fix with the police order restricting the size of the idols to 5.5 feet.

Many of them are unable to tolerate the stricture as their collection, already made, is above the permissible height.

Talking to sources, Saravanakumar, one of the idol makers, said here today that complying with orders from customers they started the work six months ago. With the police now mandating a size, they were put to pecuniary loss, he said.

Expressing ire over the rule, they said 'if the government wanted to bring any regulation, it should have come six months back'.

The idols varying from three inches to more than life-size, are mainly made of clay. The members of the Kullalar caste are traditionally involved in this work, which they consider sacred.

However, larger size idols are made of a mixture of lime stone, sago powder and paper pulp. Such idols, ranging from five to 11 feet, are prepared for keeping in public places for three days during the festival. These are first made in parts and then assembled.

They also alleged that there was no financial aid from the Government towards their profession and they were forced to avail loans from private money lenders.

Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) state president said there were hardly 17 days to go for the festival and added that they were unable to change the size now.

UNI