August 27, 2025

Chennai’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are more exciting than ever! The city’s markets are buzzing with fresh and unique Ganesh idols made right in Kodungaiyur, the hotspot for talented idol artists. This year, you will spot towering Thiruvalluvar Ganeshas, yoga-inspired figures, and even Mumbai-style designs stealing the show. Tarak Nath Paul Bapi, a renowned Ganesha idol artist from Kolkata, says, "For Ganesh Chaturthi, our work begins as early as April. We start crafting the idols based on specific designs and patterns based on the requests we get." Bapi has been molding these beautiful idols in Chennai for 25 years and swears by the eco-friendly method. He explains, "We exclusively create eco-friendly idols and strictly avoid the use of chemicals." From natural clay, thread, and water-based colors to delicate costumes and tiny musical instruments, everything is transported all the way from Kolkata. The prices? They’ll surprise you! There are over 66 idols ready for this festive season with prices ranging from ₹20,000 to a whopping ₹1.4 lakh! The range depends on the idol's size and intricate details. Smaller idols are crafted in Tiruvottiyur, where artisan Anjali Bin Devi shares, "Most of our bulk orders come from city markets like T Nagar, Sowcarpet, Perambur, and Mylapore. Vendors usually purchase around 200 to 300 idols at a time. We sell them at ₹220 per idol in bulk, and in the city markets, they are sold for over ₹500 each." What’s hot and trendy for 2025? Keep your eyes peeled for: - Thiruvalluvar-inspired Ganesha - Shiva in Ravana avatar - Chhatrapati Shivaji-style Ganesha (Mumbai theme) - Mumbai Ka Raja - Yoga Pose Ganesha - King of Triplicane Ganesha Looking to grab your Ganeshdarshan? Hit these popular Chennai spots: Triplicane, Pudupet, Royapettah, Korukkupet, and Perambur, where the festivities come alive! So, this Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrate not just tradition but also nature, with these eco-friendly idols that bring a splash of culture, color, and creativity to Chennai’s vibrant streets!

Read More at Timesofindia →

Tags: Ganesh chaturthi, Chennai, Eco-friendly idols, Kodungaiyur artists, Thiruvalluvar ganesha, Idol craftsmanship,