Karnataka College Grounds See Surge in Unpainted Clay Ganesh Figures

Tumakuru’s junior college ground in Karnataka has turned into a vibrant hub for Ganesh Chaturthi shoppers. The venue hosts numerous vendors offering clay idols that are completely free of chemical pigments. Devotees are drawn to these earth‑only figures, citing environmental concerns and lower price points as key motivators.

Local sculptor Ramchandrappa observed that the morning crowd rushed to his stall, eager to secure unpainted statues for their homes. He noted a stark contrast with last year’s sales, where painted idols dominated the market. Fellow artist Manjunath echoed this sentiment, highlighting a growing consciousness about the ecological damage caused by synthetic dyes.

The appeal of these plain clay idols extends beyond Karnataka. In Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, colourful yet eco‑friendly Ganesh figures line the streets, and in Tamil Nadu’s Kudaloor, traditional worship items are stocked in abundance alongside natural statues.

The nationwide shift towards greener celebrations is complemented by regional artistic expressions, such as the Patni‑decorated Ganesh idols in Yeola, which blend cultural craftsmanship with modern shine.