Ganeshotsav 2026: Why Ganesh Idol Prices Are Rising in Pune This Year
Pune, 14th August 2026: With just a month to go for the arrival of Lord Ganesha, activity at Ganesh idol-making workshops across Pune has intensified. Artisans in the city’s old peth areas and suburbs are working day and night to complete idols and give them their final finish.
Idol-making work has been underway for the past 10 months, but production has now picked up pace as the festival approaches. However, rising costs of raw materials, paints, thinner, electricity, transportation and labour have prompted idol makers to increase prices by around 20–25% compared to last year.
Artisans said replicas of Pune’s five revered Ganpati idols, as well as idols of prominent Ganesh mandals, have seen strong demand for household celebrations over the past three to four years. Devotees are particularly opting for idols with traditional designs, intricate detailing and calm expressions that reflect Pune’s cultural heritage.
With more families living in flats and having limited space, smaller idols measuring one to two feet are currently the most popular, according to idol makers.
At the same time, some devotees are increasingly opting for permanent idols instead of purchasing a new one every year. Environment-conscious households are choosing idols made of shadu clay or metal, which can be reused during subsequent Ganesh festivals.
Such idols are brought to workshops each year for repainting and restoration before being reinstalled. Artisans said this practice not only reduces the need to purchase new idols annually but may also help reduce water pollution associated with idol immersion.
“Artisans have been working continuously for the past 10 months. Transportation costs have increased due to higher petrol and diesel prices. The prices of thinner, electricity, paints and labour have also gone up. Due to these increased costs, we have had to raise Ganesh idol prices by around 20–25% compared to last year,” said idol maker Shrikant Shinde.
