JJ School of Arts student Nanasaheb Shendkar first came up with the idea of paper makhars in 2001.
A couple of days ahead of the Ganesh festival, devotees have started the frantic search for stylish and colourful makhars (stand) for their idols. Those looking for unique and novel concepts will be especially satisfied after giving a visit to a bylane near Ganesh Galli in Lalbaug, where one can find makhars made of paper and cardboard and flowers, instead of the usual thermocol and flowers.
JJ School of Arts student Nanasaheb Shendkar first came up with the idea of paper makhars in 2001. He then formed an organisation named Utsavi, which sells paper makhars. Before that, Shendkar used to sell makhars made of thermocol. The condition of the river at his village, choked with thermocol and other non-biodegradable materials, however, made him change his mind. Now every year, he comes up with new and unique designs for the makhars.
Speaking about his journey, Shendkar said, "In 1974, I had set-up a factory to make thermocol makhars. After a few years, when I saw the condition of the river at my native place, I gave the concept a second thought. Later, I decided to shut down the factory and start designing makhars made of cardboard. After researching for three years, I set-up the new organisation in 2001."
Shendkar's paper makhars vary in size. Earlier, Utsavi provided makhars to housing societies and families, but recently, they started making big makhars for pandals as well. Santosh Shetake, member of a sarvajanik pandal in Virar, bought makhars for his pandal as well as his home from Utsavi. "This year, our mandal has decided to be eco-friendly. We have not just booked the shadu mati idol, but are also keeping the décor eco-friendly. We will reuse the paper makhar for navratri as well, and if possible, for two more years," Shetake said.
Paper makhars are almost half the price of thermocol makhars. Speaking about the advantages of the paper makhars, Shendkar, added, "The disadvantages of thermocol are the advantages of paper. Paper is not breakable, we can fold and pack it very easily for transportation. It can be recycled, and is cost and bio-degradable."
Utsavi has distribution not only in the city but overseas as well. "We have the exhibition at three centers – Lalbaug, BMC's R Central ward and at Kulkarniwadi in Ghatkopar. People can visit the exhibition to see different designs.
People can book them online as well. We don't do home delivery, people have to come to the centres to take the makhars home," Shendkar said.
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