Demand For Ganesha Idols Spurs Protests As Restrictions On POP Ganesha Sales Spark Outrage

With just 28 days remaining until the Ganesha Chaturthi festival, the fervor for Ganesha idols is on the rise. A diverse range of preferences is evident, with some seeking eco-friendly idols and others anticipating POP Ganesha idols. However, a recent ban on the sale of POP Ganesha idols has ignited the ire of customers, leading to protests in Kumbalgodi, the city’s vicinity. On a day off, numerous customers from different parts of the state flocked to the Kumbalgodi godown, aiming to pre-book POP Ganesha idols. To their dismay, the Pollution Control Board had taken a decisive step by closing the Ganapati godown in Kumbalgodi a day earlier, halting the sale of POP Ganesha idols. The discontented customers responded by staging a demonstration in front of the godown, demanding the right to purchase POP Ganesha idols. While the ban on POP Ganesha idols is enforced in Karnataka, it’s noteworthy that these idols are permitted for sale in Bombay, Maharashtra. Over 25,000 Ganesha idols are poised to arrive from Maharashtra, specifically Bombay, within a week. As the situation unfolds, the question arises: can the Pollution Control Board prevent these idols from entering Bangalore? Customers are adamant in their stance, asserting that if these idols are not allowed, they are prepared to source idols from Bombay themselves. The intersection of cultural traditions, environmental concerns, and economic factors is evident in this dynamic situation, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the Ganesha idol market during this festive season. As the countdown to Ganesha Chaturthi continues, the tug-of-war between demand and regulatory measures remains an unfolding narrative.