Custom Religious Idol Making
Shipped across Maharashtra
I make custom clay Ganpati and Devi idols by hand, with traditional draping and detailed finishing, and I take only a few advance bookings each festival season.
Pricing Guide
Custom Hand-Sculpted Home Idol
Core Fabrication
- Material: 100% Eco-friendly Shadu Mati (Natural Clay) or dissolvable POP based on client preference.
- Structure: Wooden base patla (plank) with natural jute fiber reinforcement and no plastic inside.
- Sculpting: Fully hand-sculpted anatomy (non-mold) allowing for custom poses like resting hand or blessing mudra.
Artistry & Finishing
- Painting: Usage of high-grade water-based natural colors for skin tone (Gauri-varna or Konkan-tan options).
- The Ankhni: Specialized, hyper-realistic eye painting done personally by the lead artist.
- Vastralankar Styling: Actual fabric draping (Silk/Paithani/Velvet) for the Dhoti or Saree instead of painted clothes.
- Ornaments: Application of stone-studded jewelry, pearl necklaces, and velvet patkas.
- Feta/Turban: Hand-tied miniature Puneri or Kolhapuri turban using authentic fabric.
Logistics
- Packaging: Basic protective covering for local transport.
- Handover: Puja performed at the workshop before handover.
Special Navratri Devi Idol
Sculpting & Anatomy
- Form: Refined feminine anatomy sculpting with detailed finger work and facial features.
- Surface: Super-smooth sanding (Ghasai) to ensure fabric drapes without snagging.
Shringar (Ornamentation)
- Hair Styling: Installation of synthetic hair wigs (open hair or bun/ambada style) with floral decorations.
- Makeup: High-definition facial makeup (sharp eyeliner, bindis, vibrant lip color) suited for bright pandal lighting.
- Saree Draping: Professional draping of Nauvari or 6-yard saree with perfect pin-to-pin pleating.
Accessories
- Jewelry: Attachment of traditional Maharashtrian jewelry sets (Thushi, Kolhapuri Saaj, Nath) using adhesive or pins.
- Weaponry: Silver/Gold foil finished weapons (Sword, Trishul) included in the hand assembly.
Large Scale Mandal Idol Commission
Structural Engineering
- Armature: Heavy-duty welded iron/steel skeleton designed to withstand transport vibrations.
- Base: Reinforced wooden trolley platform with wheel-locking provisions.
- Medium: Commercial-grade Plaster of Paris (POP) reinforced with jute fiber for durability.
- Anatomy: Muscular or traditional physique sculpting designed for viewing from a distance.
Premium Decor
- Master Draping: Full-scale draping using real 6-yard or 9-yard sarees/dhotis provided by the client.
- Accessories: Custom-made fiber or paper-mache props (Trishul, Modak, Mushak, Lotus) proportional to idol size.
- Hair & Wigs: Installation of high-quality synthetic hair wigs and floral adornments for Devi idols.
Service Inclusions
- On-Site Finishing: Final touch-ups and assembly done at the Mandal Pandal if the idol size exceeds transport limits.
- Coordination: Assistance with transport team for safe loading and unloading.
About Custom Religious Idol Making
Why I Make Idols
This is not just a job for me. Every time I shape an idol in my Lalbaug karkhana, it’s like I’m bringing a bit of my own heart to life. When the idol goes from my hands to your celebrations, I feel a mix of happiness and pain - evḍha raḍāyalā yeta nā (it truly makes me emotional). My goal is to make idols that feel alive and special for you, not just for me.
My Work: From Mandals to Your Home
I’ve been lucky to make handmade Ganpati idols for big Mumbai Mandals like Kamathipura cha Mahaganpati and Ghatkopar cha Chintamani, and even for devotees in places like Akola. For home celebrations, I put the same care into every idol, making sure it fits the vibe of your puja. I also create custom Navratri Devi statues - trust me, this takes serious planning and patience, sometimes starting a year in advance.
The Process & The Details
Each murti starts raw, just clay and imagination. Everything is handcrafted, no shortcuts. I spend months on each piece, making sure every curve and detail is right. After sculpting, I use traditional idol draping techniques for the final look, adding sovale and vastralankar so the idol looks complete and majestic.
Booking & Timing
I can only take a few commissions each season, for festivals and homes. If you want a personalized clay murti creation, plan early. My slots fill up fast, sometimes a year before the festival.
Meet your Expert
Prathamesh Ghadge
133 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Me Prathamesh Ghadge. Artist by heart, hands, soul. Ganpati moortis are my biggest passion—two months with Bappa in my karkhana, feels like family. When Bappa leaves, I cry, then see him celebrated everywhere and feel proud. My art is also about making people feel divine—light makeup, flawless saree drape. Spiritual energy from Swami Samarth Math, Saptashrungi. My work is my puja, my principles. Zindagi ke apne usool, art hi devotion hai. (Life has its own rules, art is devotion.)
My Work
All My Services - Bridal and party makeup, expert saree draping, custom Ganpati and Devi idols, masterclasses, pre-pleated sarees.
Natural Makeup for All - I do natural bridal makeup and dusky skin makeup. No stress, bindaas raha! Subtle, lightweight, suits everyone.
Saree Draping Master - Traditional Nauvari, elegant reception, pre-pleated saree—you name it. Saree draping for weddings or daily wear.
Quick Masterclasses - Short, two-day masterclass in makeup, saree draping, Ganpati idol draping. Learn fast, get perfect, no time wasted.