Mumbai: As Ganesh moortikars prepare to erect makeshift workshops in the coming fortnight, they warn that the cost of Ganpati idols may rise exponentially this festive season. Ganeshotsav this year will be celebrated from September 14 to 25.
The cloud of the West Asia conflict, coupled with India's domestic inflationary situation, has multiplied costs of raw materials, transportation, space rental, and labor wages. Moortikars of Pen have already hiked prices by 25 percent.
Rising Raw Material Costs
Leading city moortikar Siddhesh Dighole said, 'Even before procurement has begun, plaster of Paris (PoP) is costlier by up to Rs 25-30 per 20 kg bag. Certain fast-drying varieties are imported from Oman and Iran, and supply is erratic owing to the war in West Asia. Wages are escalating because many artisans and laborers are diverting to Hyderabad where work starts in January.'
Dighole added, 'We use commercial LPG to burn the flame that lends finish to the idol. And gas costs have soared to Rs 3,500 per cylinder. Some large heavy idols, particularly those involving fiber, may cost up to Rs 1 lakh. I am taking limited orders this year.'
Petrol and diesel prices have catapulted transportation costs. Every single item used in idol making has to be transported either within the city or outside—from raw material to finished idols.
Labor and Workshop Costs
Well-known sculptor Reshma Khatu of Vijay Khatu Studio said, 'Prices of raw material do rise by a certain percentage each year. This year, they are far higher. Most of all, laborers are now demanding exponentially higher daily wages. Earlier we paid Rs 1,200-1,500 per day. Now, they are seeking Rs 2,000. This is a big pressure on us right now.'
Khatu said that where once moortikars engaged their own workers, they now hire contractors to get the task done. 'We hire numerous categories of workers, from preparing the metal frame to sculpting, painting, and finishing the idol. If we must retain them, we will have to pay far more this season.'
Enormous rental costs of workshop space are another burden. 'We request the state government to allow us the use of public parks which lie unused during the monsoon to set up small sheds for our Ganpati karkhanas,' Khatu said.
Impact on Idol Prices
Mid-level moortikars, like Lalabhai Bhaliya whose beauteous idols in Kamathipura and Central Mumbai draw eyeballs, said, 'Given present inflation, by the time Ganeshotsav arrives in September, the cost of idols could rise by Rs 5,000-10,000 over last year. Larger, heavier idols will see a greater hike.'
Moortikars rued that clients are in denial over inflation as they see Ganeshotsav through the prism of emotion. 'They say, yes, there is inflation, but how can you charge so much for a religious celebration?'
