Pune: Ganesh idol booking begins in the city, eco-friendly idols in demand
Pune, August 11, 2020: With Ganesh Festival less than a fortnight away, Punekars have begun booking Ganesh idols at stalls across the city as well as outskirts. Stalls selling the idols were seen bustling with people over the weekend.
As the stalls and other shopping centres and shops are not allowed to operate after 7 pm in the city, people took to the weekend to go out and start preparations for the Ganesh festival amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. Also, fewer stalls than usual have been given permission to open this year, so people wanted to be early birds in order to lay their hands on the best idols.
The demand for eco-friendly Shadu (clay) idols has increased as well, as the Government has appealed to the people to immerse the Ganesh idol at their homes itself. However, the people are facing challenges of transportation while bringing the idols from Pen and other areas to Pune, and thus, the costs of the idols have also increased. On average, the idols cost around Rs 500 and more.
