Ganesh Chaturthi being round the corner, with the pandemic restrictions still on, The Fine Arts Society decided to celebrate the festival in a unique manner. The Managing Committee of FAS organized an online ‘Ganesha Idol Making’ competition. Detailed instructions were given to make eco – friendly idols of Amchi Mumbai’s favourite God. It was held on digital platform on 5 September 2021. Soon after the announcement, entries poured in. There was an overwhelming response of more than 250 contestants from many parts of India. The youngest participant was 6 years old and the oldest 93!
Judging the contest of this magnitude is a Herculean task. And the judges rose up to the occasion with sincerity and interest. The judges were two eminent artists in the field – one of them was Shri Krishna Patil, a well known sculptor from our very own Chembur, gold medalist from JJ School of Arts, who has the oldest Ganesha workshop in Chembur’Shree Ganesh Shilpakala’. For decades now, he has been making huge Ganeshas for pandals and numerous eco friendlyGaneshas. The other judge was Mrs.VishakhaDange, an artist and all rounder teacher from Raigad associated with Ganesha Art Making for more than 30 years. She has the centre ‘Shree Ganesh Kala Niketan’ at Thane.
The prize distribution function was held virtually on 7 September, with the participants eagerly looking forward to the announcements. The Chief Guest was Shri Ravi Gadiyar retired from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., who is attached with GSB Seva Mandal’s Ganesh Utsav (at SNDT College, Wadala) for the last 40 years. He is a very active member of the organizing committee and a humble volunteer of this famous Ganesh Utsav of Mumbai.
The enthusiasm of the participants was amazing! It is heartening to observe that keeping the environment in mind, people are making and encouraging eco friendlyGaneshas.
The Fine Arts Society has been conducting several online events successfully. Let us pay our obeisance to the mighty Elephant God to remove all obstacles and bestow his blessings on us.
Ganesha idol making competition
