Mangaluru gears up for Ganesh Chaturthi with eco-friendly idol making in full swing

Mangaluru gears up for Ganesh Chaturthi with eco-friendly idol making in full swing

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 22, 2025: With just a week left for the grand celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, preparations are in full swing across the city, particularly at Mannagudda and Car Street, where artisans are busy crafting idols of Lord Ganesha with devotion and artistry.

Every year, Mangaluru comes alive with vibrant public celebrations. Majestic idols are installed in pandals across the city and Dakshina Kannada district, while families also bring home Ganesha idols with equal reverence.

 

 

Four decades of tradition at Car Street

At Car Street, the Shet family has been keeping this tradition alive for over four decades. Veteran artisan Vinayak Shet, who has been sculpting idols for more than 40 years, continues his work with the support of a team of women who assist with designing, painting, and finishing details. His son Aditya Shet joined him three years ago, helping to carry forward the family legacy.

 

This year, the family has prepared nearly 60 idols, which will be installed in different parts of the city, including Kavoor, Bengre, Asaigoli, Big Bazaar, and Urwa Marigudi.

Eco-friendly celebrations

Artisans at both Mannagudda and Car Street are giving special focus to eco-friendly practices. All idols are being made entirely from clay, without the use of plastic or harmful substances, reflecting a growing shift toward sustainable and environmentally conscious festivities.

As the festival approaches, Mangaluru is gearing up to celebrate another year of devotion, tradition, and community spirit — deeply rooted in heritage and guided by the values of sustainability.