Surat artist's miniature Ganesha idols win hearts

The size of miniature Lord Ganesha idols vary from 1.5 mm to 1.5 inches. I have made 15 idols of Bappa from clay and waste materials such as beads, plastic and shell of a ballpoint pen, the artist said.

Surat: With the entire nation using COVID theme on Ganesh Chaturthi to pay tributes to the frontline warriors, a Surat-based artist Dimple Jhawaria made small sized unique Ganesha idols. Jhawaria is known for making miniature sculptures and his mini Ganesha idols are winning hearts.

The size of miniature Lord Ganesha idols vary from 1.5 mm to 1.5 inches. The artist has made COVID theme Vinayaka annihilating the coronavirus demon, an infant Ganesha, mini Bappa in a cradle, Vighanharta seated on a throne and a Gajanana playing with his Mushak.

"I have tried to make a small idol of Lord Ganesha of 1.5 mm size. I have made 15 idols of Bappa from clay and waste materials such as beads, plastic and shell of a ballpoint pen. Every year, I make idols of Lord Ganesha using waste materials at the request of devotees," said Jhawaria.

This time owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dimple has also carved mini COVID-theme idol in which Vighnaharta can be seen killing the coronavirus which has claimed millions of lives.

READ: This 11th century 'Dholkal Ganesha' sits atop hill in Chhattisgarh

Talking to ETV Bharat, the artist said, "It generally takes 15-20 minutes to make one idol. But the COVID-themed idol took me around 45 minutes. Due to less demand this year, I have installed all the miniature idols at my place. In order to understand the details of the mini idols, one needs a magnifying glass."

People are worshipping Lord Ganesha to save the nation from the deadly pandemic and monsoon mayhem. Artists have sculpted unique idols of Bappa. At some places, Lord Ganesha’s idol can be seen as a coronavirus killer. In another set of idols, Ganesha’s mice can be seen battling coronavirus.

The 10-day festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi, the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha began on August 22. The festivities end with the final immersion of an idol of Lord Ganesha, called the Visarjan.