The moods and forms of Ganesha

Get set to witness Ganesha on various crafts and in materials like  bronze, brass, copper, rosewood, sandalwood, countrywood, whitewood etc at an exclusive exhibition of Ganesha. Also on display are crafts of the elephant-god in vellarukku, marble, terracotta, ceramic, Jaipur painting, kalamkari, appliqué and straw at the ‘Ganesh Darshan’.

The exhibition that was inaugurated on Monday is an annual feature of the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd and has been organised since 1973 during Vinayaka Chaturthi.

The objective of the initiative is to provide assistance to the craftsmen by organising various exhibitions throughout the country.

“It is a regular feature for the Poompuhar sales showroom. Through this exhibition we come to know about a variety of crafts with which Ganesha can be represented,” said A Kamala, manager, Poompuhar Sales Showroom

In addition, Ganeshas on display capture different forms and moods of the god — dancing Ganesha, veera Ganesha, musical Ganesha, darbar Ganesha, umbrella Ganesha— to name a few.

Another stand out display of this edition of the exhibition is the eagle Ganesha. The exhibition also includes Ganesha idols from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. But, the highlight of the show is the Shilpa Sastra 32 Ganesha.

“I bought them last year and I am here to buy them this year as well. It is said that this set of 32 Ganeshas is auspicious for houses,” said Latha Thyagarajan, who makes it a point to buy the set every year.

Apart from the Ganesha idols,  brass lamps with Ganesha motifs are also on sale. The various sizes of Ganesha in precious and semi-precious stones. Jhoola Ganesha, chariot Ganesha, shell Ganesha are part of the display.

Ganesha pieces are available for sale in different crafts ranging from `68  to ` 7.35 lakh.

The exhibition was inaugurated by M C Sampath, Minister for Rural Industries and Nutritious Noon Meal,  Sheela Rani Chunkath, Chairman and Managing Director, The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd and G  Santhanam, Secretary to Government, Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department.

The exhibition  is open for public up to September 22 between 10am and 8pm