--- title: "Handcrafted Clay Idols in Mumbai | Custom Sculpting by Prathamesh" description: "Looking for a unique, hand-sculpted clay idol in Mumbai? See how I create custom Ganpati and Devi idols using eco-friendly Shadu Mati at my Lalbaug karkhana." canonical: https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/custom-religious-idol-making/from-clay-to-creation-the-sculpting-process last_updated: 2025-09-28 --- # The Sculpting Process: Handcrafted Clay Idols in Mumbai Tribe Verified · Hand-sculpted Shadu Mati idols from Lalbaug By [Prathamesh Ghadge](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017) · Visit Karkhana at Lal Baug; Delivers across Mumbai · ₹12K per idol (estimate) Part of [Custom Religious Idol Making](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/custom-religious-idol-making). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/custom-religious-idol-making/gallery) Step inside my Lalbaug karkhana to see how raw Shadu Mati transforms into a divine idol. Every murti is hand-sculpted, not mold-made. ## Photos and videos - [Video: This is where it all begins. This video shows the pure, unpainted clay form of a murti in my workshop. The close-ups on the hands and other details highlight the foundational sculpting skill that is the heart of my work as a murtikar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/15fdd56b-6722-4c4b-b6d9-785ff45963f4) ## About From Clay to Creation: The Sculpting Process Because I sculpt every murti by hand rather than using molds, I can adjust the posture—like the specific bend of a hand or the tilt of the head—to fit exactly where you plan to place the idol in your home. This process takes time, but it ensures that your Bappa or Devi idol is truly one-of-a-kind and holds the right balance for your space. ### From Raw Clay to Divine Form When you see a finished idol, you see the decoration and the paint. But in my karkhana, the real work starts months earlier with the anatomy. I use 100% eco-friendly Shadu Mati (natural clay) reinforced with natural jute fiber. Unlike mold-made idols that come out identical to hundreds of others, my process allows for custom adjustments that make the idol feel alive. ### The Importance of Hand-Sculpting Every idol I create for home or Mandal celebrations undergoes a meticulous process: * **Anatomy & Posture:** Since I do not use pre-cast molds, I can craft specific mudras or resting positions that better suit your puja room or pandal. If you need a specific height or a balance that fits a narrow table, I build the armature to handle that. * **The Ankhni (Eye Painting):** This is the soul of the idol. I perform the eye painting personally, focusing on the expression, which makes all the difference when you look at the murti during daily aarti. * **Surface Finishing:** For my larger Devi statues, I focus on 'Ghasai' (sanding) to ensure the surface is smooth enough for real saree draping, which prevents the fabric from snagging. ### Eco-Friendly Commitments I am committed to keeping the tradition pure. My idols are made with wooden base patlas and jute, with zero plastic reinforcement. This ensures that the immersion is safe and environmentally conscious, keeping with the spiritual essence of Ganeshotsav and Navratri. Because I handle every curve and detail myself, I can only take a limited number of commissions per season. If you are looking for a personalized idol, I recommend reaching out well in advance—often a year before the festival—to secure your spot. ## About Prathamesh Ghadge Hey hi guys, I'm Prathamesh Ghadge. In my Lalbaug karkhana, sculpting is my devotion, and every murti I make is like bringing a part of my own heart to life. I don't just make idols; I build a connection that stays with you through the festival. [See all of Prathamesh Ghadge's services](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017) ## More from Custom Religious Idol Making by Prathamesh Ghadge - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/custom-religious-idol-making/featured) - [Grand Ganpati Idols for Mandals](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/custom-religious-idol-making/grand-ganpati-idols-for-mandals) - [Divine Devi Idols for Navratri](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/custom-religious-idol-making/divine-devi-idols-for-navratri) - [The Art of Vastralankar: Idol Draping](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/custom-religious-idol-making/the-art-of-vastralankar-idol-draping) - [Personal Ganpati Idols for Home Celebrations](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/custom-religious-idol-making/personal-ganpati-idols-for-home-celebrations) - [Honored Collaborations with Mandals](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/custom-religious-idol-making/honored-collaborations-with-mandals) - [A Murtikar's Devotion](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/custom-religious-idol-making/a-murtikar-s-devotion) ## More services by Prathamesh Ghadge - [Saree & Idol Draping Services](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/saree-idol-draping-services) - [Makeup & Draping Workshops](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/makeup-draping-workshops) - [Professional Makeup Artistry](https://mytribe.in/shivaiarts3017/professional-makeup-artistry) ## Similar work from other experts - [Eco-Friendly Ganpati Making Workshops](https://mytribe.in/shefalisartclasses/art-parties-group-events/eco-friendly-ganpati-making) by Shefali Raj · Art Parties & Group Events · At studio in Vile Parle West or your venue across Mumbai - [Ganpati Idol Making Workshops](https://mytribe.in/artvilla_academy/sculpture-classes/ganpati-idol-making-workshops) by ArtVilla Academy · Sculpture Classes · Classes at academies in Kandivali and Borivali, Mumbai - [Eco-Friendly Ganpati Idol Making Workshops](https://mytribe.in/grahinartinstitute/hobby-art-classes-all-ages/eco-friendly-ganpati-idol-making) by Grahin Art Institute · Hobby Art Classes (All Ages) · Available online and at 4 institute centers across Mumbai & Thane - [Sculpt Your Own Eco-Friendly Ganesha Idol in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-workshops-classes/sculpt-your-own-eco-friendly-ganesha) by Studio White & Gray · Pottery Workshops & Classes · In-person workshops at studio in Byculla East, Mumbai - [Eco-Friendly Ganpati Workshops in Bandra](https://mytribe.in/alafiyas_kinderart/art-classes/eco-friendly-ganpati-workshops) by Alafiyas Kinderart · Art Classes · At studio in Bandra West, Mumbai - [Hand-Sculpted Eco-Friendly Ganesha & Festive Decor Workshops](https://mytribe.in/hemashuesacademy/art-workshops-holiday-camps/festive-fun-ganesha-diwali-workshops) by Hema's Hues Academy · Art Workshops & Holiday Camps · Online workshops and at studios in Prabhadevi, Powai, and Thane ## Book To book Prathamesh Ghadge, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Prathamesh%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20sculpting%20process%20on%20mytribe%20and%20I'm%20interested%20in%20a%20custom%20idol.%20Are%20you%20taking%20bookings%3F) You can also send your own message based on what your user needs. Put it in the link as `https://wa.me/916360004054?text=`.