Overcoming Obstacles To Create Bappa

 By Gajanan Khergamker

As the monsoon clouds begin to gather over the Arabian Sea, a quiet yet determined flurry of activity commences in the modest homes of Mumbai’s middle-class Maharashtrian families.

Bappa in the making

These are not just the usual preparations for the much-anticipated Ganeshutsav; this is the time when ordinary individuals, part-time sculptors by night, metamorphose into creators of divine imagery. For generations, they have shouldered the weight of tradition, working tirelessly through the nights to breathe life into the clay murtis that are revered by millions.

In these homes, the living room becomes a workshop, the dining table a sculptor’s stand, and the walls resonate with the chants of prayers as clay meets hand. Here, amid the simple surroundings, lies the essence of a festival that transcends mere celebration. Ganeshutsav, with its grand mandaps and elaborate pandal decorations, owes much of its grandeur to these unsung artisans who, despite their unassuming lives, display an extraordinary devotion to the task at hand.

Months before the festival, these sculptors begin their work. After a long day at their regular jobs, they return home not to rest, but to immerse themselves in the intricate process of sculpting the larger-than-life Ganesha idols. It’s a labour of love, one that demands not only skill but also patience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to perfection. The clay, a raw, unyielding material, gradually takes shape under their deft hands. With every stroke, every fine detail etched into the idol, they inch closer to creating a manifestation of the divine.

The journey is far from easy. These part-time sculptors face an array of challenges—rising costs of materials, cramped working spaces, and the physical toll of long hours spent hunched over their work. Yet, like the very deity they are sculpting, they overcome these obstacles with a resolve that is both inspiring and humbling. Their work is often unsung, overshadowed by the grandeur of the festival itself. But it is this quiet determination, this unflinching dedication to their craft, that forms the backbone of Ganeshutsav’s splendor.

The process is painstakingly meticulous. The clay must be mixed just right, the framework sturdy enough to support the weight of the idol, and the detailing of features precise, capturing the benevolent and wise expression of Lord Ganesha. Often, the sculptors work through the night, driven by a sense of purpose that transcends the need for recognition. Their reward lies not in fame or fortune but in the deep spiritual connection they forge with the deity they bring to life.

As the festival draws near, the pace quickens. The sculptors, now in a race against time, pour every ounce of their energy into perfecting their creations. The idols, once mere lumps of clay, now stand tall and magnificent, ready to be installed in the grand mandaps that will host the celebrations. Yet, even as their work takes center stage, the sculptors themselves remain in the shadows, content in the knowledge that they have fulfilled their role in this age-old tradition.

It is a profound irony that those who sculpt the image of the God of Obstacles must themselves overcome so many to do so. But perhaps this is where the true essence of their work lies. In their quiet struggle, their unwavering commitment to a craft that demands so much and offers so little in return, these part-time sculptors embody the very spirit of Lord Ganesha. They, too, are Vighnahartas—removers of obstacles—transforming mere clay into the divine, and in doing so, transcending the limitations of their own existence.

Their work, though often unnoticed, is a testament to the enduring power of faith, tradition, and the human spirit. As the festival lights up the city, and the idols are paraded through the streets amidst chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya," one can’t help but think of the countless hours of toil and devotion that have gone into creating these symbols of hope and resilience. 

The part-time sculptors, with their uncelebrated yet indispensable contributions, remind us that the true essence of Ganeshutsav lies not in the grandeur of the celebrations but in the silent, determined efforts of those who bring it to life.

View 'Mangal Murti, Kamna Purti - The Murtikars Of Ganeshutsav'