Girls check out Ganesh idols at a roadside shop in Bhubaneswar and a filigree idol of the deity (Below). Pictures by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 6: People have started buying Ganesh idols from markets across the city ahead of the deity’s puja, which is scheduled to be held this weekend.

At Unit-I market, one of the hot spots for idol shopping, the response is lukewarm at the moment.

However, the sellers are hoping that sales will go up over the next couple of days.

“There are still three or four days to go. Every year, the buyers queue up at the eleventh hour. Even our whole stock is yet to arrive. We are now selling the small idols. The expensive six-seven feet ones will arrive tonight. Also, we were afraid that the big ones may get ruined in the rain,” said Umakanta Barik, who has been selling idols on the festive occasion for five years now.

The likes of Barik are expecting a slight slump in their sales.

“The morning shows the day. The initial buyers are showing more interest in the idols ranging between Rs 30 and Rs 300 and are hesitating to take away the ones that run in a few thousands,” said Barik.

Though the entire stock is yet to be put on display, Lord Ganesh painted in both monochromatic and myriad hues are attracting buyers.

“It is quite obvious that with the rise in price of various commodities, one is bound to cut down on the festive expenses. We have splurged on big idols on earlier occasions. But this time, we are forced to be content with a somewhat small one,” said Lipi Mahapatra, a customer.

Far from the madding crowd at Unit-I, the air-conditioned showrooms of jewellery giants are doing brisk business. One of the sprawling showrooms located at Master Canteen Square are selling several Ganesh idols made of pure silver. The world-famous filigree-work idols leave buyers spellbound.

Idols made of gold and silver, adorned by various stones, porcelain, wood and wax are also available. Lord Ganesh can be seen in form of peepal leaves, on top of the silver kalash, the holy pitcher, in an antique look and flanked by moushak, his “vahana”.

The price of these idols ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh.

“Buyers give us orders for customised idols well in advance. Our sales rarely fluctuate. Resisting such fine artistry is very difficult,” said Nirmal Hans, one of the partners of the showroom.