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Less rainfall kills Ganesha zing: Guj |
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By: Agencies |
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Date:
2008-09-03 |
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Place: Ahmedabad |
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Ride away: A man transports Ganesh idol on a cycle-rickshaw, on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi in Ahmedabad, yesterday. pic/ap | The Ganesh festival is celebrated with much fervour across Gujarat, but fewer idols have been made for immersion this year due to scanty rainfall and nearly-empty water bodies.
Artisans at Gulbai Tekra, the main source of Ganesh idols, say the scanty rainfall has taken the zing out of the festive season.
"This year, the rainfall has not been enough to fill water bodies.
So submerging the statues completely would be a problem.
Therefore, the number of Ganesh idols made this year are nearly 20 per cent less than previous years," said Ramsinh, an artisan.
Artisans also rue their unhygienic working conditions. Manoj Bhati, secretary of Ganesh Statue Manufacturers Association (GSMA), said, "Making idols is a time-consuming process.
Working in dirty conditions is tough and they don't have adequate storage space." Gulbai Tekra comprises 1,300 huts and 90 per cent belong to idol makers.
"We have been demanding a good workplace, but our pleas are ignored," said Devji, president of GSMA. |
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