Even as Nashikkars welcomed Lord Ganesha into their homes on Thursday, Dr Raj Nagarkar’s family stands out.
Even as Nashikkars welcomed Lord Ganesha into their homes on Thursday, Dr Raj Nagarkar’s family stands out. The family of the onco-surgeon has preserved the tradition of making clay idols of the elephant-headed deity at their home for more than 100 years.
“As far as history goes, the family is supposed to install the idol made from the soil of the household farm. Members of the family, young and old, get together to make the idol. This is a ritual which everyone enjoys,” said 80-year-old Padmavati Nagarkar, who is the great grandmother in the family.
“We follow the family’s tradition and culture. Earlier my great grandfather used to make the idols, now my brothers shoulder the responsibility. Children grow watching this ritual and follow it. Our four generations unite in this custom and it gives a feeling of togetherness, love, care and affection for each other,” said Raj.
After the idol is installed with ceremonial puja and aarti, a delicious meal of puran-poli is prepared by Raj’s mother, Vijaya, and her daughters-in-law.
“By following this age-old tradition, what comes to mind is the respect shown to nature by our ancestors. The idol is made in mud mixed with cotton, painted in natural colours. After 10 days of puja, the idol is immersed in our farm’s well from where the soil was taken. Hence, what is taken from nature is given back to it,” he said.
While the Nagarkars follow the family tradition, the youngest member of the Khadilkar family makes the idol as he is impressed by the Lord himself.
Soham Khadilkar’s father is a captain in the merchant navy and is presently away from home.
Donning the role of the man of the house, the 8-year-old, who is making the idol for three years said, “I like Ganpati as he is brave. Even with his small one tooth, he has the power to dig holes on the Moon. He rides on a small little moosh (mouse) and is very cute. I use shadu (clay) and watercolours and keep the dhotar saffron. “
“We install a one-and-a-half-day Ganpati at home. We used to buy the idol, but now we make eco-friendly Ganpati. The decoration is minimal and mostly natural like flowers. Soham makes the idol and I am happy he has learnt to respect nature as well,” Poorva Khadilkar, Soham’s Mother, said.
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