By the time the kids and I meander towards the impromptu workshops, all the big idols are ready and up. In fact, they are covered. It’s Ganesh Chaturthi and I’ve taken the kids to the Ganpati workshops that are working on impressive, giant statues of the elephant-headed God.

Finding a Ganpati workshop that makes eco-friendly Ganpatis took a few hits and misses.

Then, in the bylanes of Chuim Village, Bandra, we meet Mahapsekar who has got mud all the way from Haryana to make Ganpati idols. This is what he has been doing for the last five years. On a turntable, that he has crafted with his own hands, he sits putting the last touches to many small (2 feet) Ganpatis.

Sitting in his tarpaulin-covered workshop, under the light of a bulb, swatches of paint are being carefully added. A client is in and unhappy with the idol that has been kept aside for them. A few more are shown. Most though, are ready and covered with transparent plastic and have been reserved.

The Ganpati idols at the workshop

The kids have their questions and seem disappointed. They wanted to see Ganpatis made of recycled paper pulp. The man laughs. He explains how mud is sent all the way from Haryana and how he goes to fetch the consignment from the port. Work on the idol starts three months before the festival.