The traditional earthen Ganesh And Laxmi are on the verge of extinction because of the tough competition produced by other form China made idol which have flooded the market in Aligarh. These Gods are available in market at very cheap rates. However, in the rural areas and remote areas the traditional earthen Ganesh and Laxmi is still alive and people gave preference to tradition over technology.
On Deepawali occasion, various types of Idols beautifully and grand in looking are available in Aligarh market for sale. On Deepawali earthen Idols of Ganesh and Laxmi are worshiped because earthen idols are considered auspicious and good.
Family of Bhoop Singh in Sasnigate Area of Aligarh starts to make idols from early in the morning. Someone threshes earth/soil and other sieves and prepare soil ready for mouldering. Ladies were busy to making the idols of Hanuman, Laxmi, Ganesh, Sarswati, Durga. Besides these they also prepare /make Krishna, Gujaria, elephant, horses, parrot and pigeon toys.
Working on field of Sasani gate one Idol making lady Sunita Devi told that we begun manufacturing work a month prior to Deepawali. During rest of days we prepare other toys and statue to carry on our livelihood.
After school period children also cooperate and help in making these idols. She says that we are keeping children away from this work. So that they may seek any better job after their education.
Big companies have stepped in manufacturing idols and toys. These items are beautiful in looking and cheaper than local manufactured items. These local handcraftsman do not find themselves in competition as imported item is available at 10 to 15 rupees per item. This has created a livelihood problem before them.
In this regard one Fareed Ahmad the idol maker of Ganesh and Laxmi told Aligarh market is dumped with company made of soil, silver and brass. These idols are not very beautiful but cheap. Due to this handcraft-mans like me do not find themselves in the competitive market, in this Deepawali we will face starvation on the occasion of Deepawali.
There is sharp decline in the sale of clay-made laxmi Ganesh. The plastic idol of China are so cheap and durable that no one wants to buy these clay ones and I have stopped selling them. The clay made Laxmi and Ganesh's price is 100 to 300 but Chinese are cheaper as Chinese idol are available in the market at very cheap prices starting from Rs 30, said Rajeev Kumar kumar, a shop keeper of Center point Market