With the state government banning public gatherings for Vinayaka Chaturthi, the sale of Ganesh idols could not take place for the September 10 festival.
The district administration had also banned the installation of idols in public places during the festival and asked people to install idols in their homes and immerse them in nearby water bodies. This disappointed the artisans involved in making the large sized idols as they said that their business has declined by more than 80% in the current year and the previous year. Hence, smaller sized idols were made and many people tried to sell the idols made last year.
Small sized sculptures were also less sold along the Meenachi Sundernar Road. The artisans said their business was worse than ever. “Last year due to the COVID-19 restrictions, our business was completely affected and this year too, sales were very less”, said a Rajasthan-based artisan who has been making and selling idols in the city for over eight years. “Usually, we have customers looking for idols between one and three feet. But this year, the sales were bad”, said the artisan and added that the idols are available for ₹100 to ₹2,000.
Meanwhile, the district police has warned various Hindu organizations not to install idols in public places or remove idols in processions. The police asked the public and members of various organizations to follow the COVID-19 norms and celebrate the festival at their homes.