Due to the rising prices of the material and labour charges, the idols of Lord Vinayaka will cost five percent more this year.

With only two days left for Vinayaka Chathurthi festival, artisans are busy givng final touches to rows and rows of Vinayaka idols at places like Telungupalayam, Selvapuram and Pappanaickenpalayam. Vinayaka idols of different sizes made with clay, paper mashie, root paste, and sandstone powder are available for sale. Large-size Vinayaka idols, for community celebrations, too are almost ready.

This year, a number of new designs have made their debut. These idols are priced from Rs.25 to Rs.25 thousand, depending on their sizes and artwork. Prices have increased by five percent this year due to the hike in the cost of material required and labour.

Idol-maker R. Dharmalingam revealed that the new additions this year include a 7-foot tall Veer Shivaji Vinayaka, and a 16-foot tall idol of Lord Vinayaka witnessing the abhishekam of Shivalingam by Parvathi. Other additions include Vinayaka with cow, swan, lotus, Kamakshi, and rock inscriptions. Despite the hike in prices, sales are brisk as always.