ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Bengal Artisans Craft Ganesha Idols in Visakhapatnam for 26 Years

cultural-heritage · 2026-09-04

For more than 26 years, artisans from Bengal have made their way to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to craft clay idols of Lord Ganesha for the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. They establish temporary workshops where they skillfully mold and paint detailed Ganesha figures using local clay. These handmade idols play a vital role in the festivities, as worshippers place them in their homes and community pandals before the final day’s immersion. This annual movement not only promotes cultural exchange but also emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship. An article in The Hindu explores the lives and techniques of these artisans, showcasing their contribution to local traditions and economic opportunities during the festival, reflecting India's artisanal mobility trend.

Key facts

  • Bengal idolmakers have been coming to Visakhapatnam for 26 years.
  • They create clay Ganesha idols for Ganesh Chaturthi.
  • The artisans are from Bengal (West Bengal).
  • Visakhapatnam is a city in Andhra Pradesh, India.
  • The idols are made from clay.
  • The article was published by The Hindu.
  • The practice is seasonal, tied to the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
  • The artisans set up temporary workshops in Visakhapatnam.

Entities

Institutions

  • The Hindu

Locations

  • Bengal
  • Visakhapatnam
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • India

Sources