Man says he has exported 930 idols this year, a record for the city

Numerous Ganpati devotees in foreign countries are able to celebrate Ganeshotsav thanks to a man from the city called Bhalchandra Deshmukh. This year, he has sent 930 idols to London in the UK, Canada, Mauritius and Holland.

He claims sending such a large number of idols is a record for the city.

"I am happy that almost all the requirements from foreign countries where Maharashtrians are settled were met this year," he said.

Deshmukh says people in foreign countries have links to the city and place their orders for the idols six months in advance.

"I made it possible for them to celebrate Ganeshotsav by sending them the idols in time," he said.

Deshmukh, who sends Ganesh idols overseas every year, is an environment-conscious exporter.

"All my idols are eco-friendly, made with Shadu or plaster of Paris (POP)," Deshmukh said. "Last year I exported about 800 idols and the number is increasing every year."

Anand Desai, from Desai Bandhu Ambewale, said that from this year they were sending Ganpati idols to the US, the UK and other European countries.

"So far, 20 idols have been booked and we expect to send about 40 Ganesh idols before September 10," said Desai.

There are also people who send idols to relatives abroad.

Vikrant Jadhav has sent a Ganesh idol to his married sister Anuradha Bawadkar, an IT engineer in Tranto.

"We sent the idol four days ago, and she will celebrate Ganeshotsav with her family," said Jadhav.

Grahak Peth in Sadashiv Peth has sent 25 Shadu soil idols to the US.

"Many families want to celebrate Ganesh festival at their homes. We have started sending them idols by courier services from last year," Suryakant Pathak, managing director, Grahak Peth, said.

Uday Joshi, president, Ninad Prathishthan, said that last year they had sent a big idol to Holland for a grand celebration there.

"This year also we are waiting to do the same," said Joshi.

Ananda Deodhar, a traditional sculptor who makes and sends Ganpati idols every year from the famous Pen village, said many foreign devotees insist on made-in-Pen Ganpati idols as they have faith that these are the best.