1 2 Pune: The spirit of Ganeshotsav transcends borders, with Pune-based sculptors witnessing a surge in international orders ahead of the festival, which starts from Sep 7. Eager to recreate the vibrant celebrations, Maharashtrians settled abroad have placed orders with local sculptors and vendors months in advance for intricately crafted Ganpati idols and decorative items. Girish Murudkar, a vendor and owner of Murudkar Zendewale said that orders from the Maratha Mandal in Philadelphia alone amounted to approximately Rs50,000 this year.
From traditional adornments like abdagiri and toran to a range of festive flags, items that are essential to replicating the authentic Ganeshotsav experience are in high demand among clients overseas. “We have been sending items to clients in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand for over 15 years. This year, we fulfilled a special order of the branding of the Maratha Mandal in Philadelphia embroidered on the abdagiri, an item that is hard to find in Indian stores abroad,” said City-based sculptor Rajendra Deshmukh echoed this sentiment, highlighting a 20% increase in export orders this year, primarily for idols crafted in the iconic styles of renowned temples like Dagdusheth and Lalbaug.
“These meticulously crafted idols, often adorned with artificial diamonds, offer a tangible connection to the cultural vibrancy of Pune. NRIs on their visit to the city usually take idols with them. Others who want it delivered abroad have to pay extr.