Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Clay Ganesha Idols Dominate Over POP; But Shrinking Profit, High Cost Concern Sellers

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: With the Ganesh Chaturthi festival just a day away, markets across India are bustling with vibrant Ganesha idols. Some dazzle in ornate attire, while others charm with their simplicity, yet what unites them all this time is their eco-friendly clay craftsmanship.

Aligning with the trend of Ganesha idols made of clay, most of the sellers in Delhi-NCR are selling eco-friendly Ganesha idols. But their fragile nature, thin margins, and logistical challenges are major concerns for sellers.

"There is no demand for Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), hence we don't sell them anymore. For more than two years, we have been selling only eco-friendly Ganesh idols made of clay," Santosh Devi Prajapati, a Ganesha idol seller in Noida Sector 22, Uttar Pradesh told GoodReturns.

"Clay idols are environmentally friendly and don't pollute our water bodies, unlike PoP idols. There is no benefit in selling PoP idols, as most of the customers only demand idols made of clay. Even the government is also promoting the use of eco-friendly Ganesha idols," said Dayavati Prajapati, a clay items shopkeeper in Noida.

The National Green Tribunal, in its order in 2015, has banned the immersion of idols made from non-biodegradable items like quick-setting gypsum plaster, aka PoP, in Yamuna River.

Clay vs PoP Ganesha Idols Price

Because of a surge in demand and easy availability, Ganesha idols made of clay can be purchased at a price of Rs 180, which can go as high as Rs 5,000. An average PoP idol of Ganesha can cost around Rs 100-200 in a small size (5-6 inches). Hence, there is no major difference in the market price of both types of idols.

Low Profit Margins

Ganesha idols offer a profit margin of hardly Rs 30-40, whether they are made of clay or PoP, said Santosh Devi Prajapati, adding that it is the logistical hurdles that make the sale of clay Ganesh idols very difficult.

"Every year, around 10% Ganesha idols we bring for sale get damaged, and we have to bear the cost of those idols. We are selling these items at a very thin margin, but customer bargaining leaves us with now choice but to sell the Rs 180 idol for Rs 100," added Santosh Devi Prajapati.

Logistic Challenges

Her family mostly brings the Ganesha idols and other items made of clay from West Bengal. The journey to bring these fragile items from Bengal to Noida often leads to damage to a huge chunk of their item. "We have brought lesser number of Ganesha idols this time because of the damage we face and thin profit margins."

While small vendors and sellers face the brunt of thin profit margins, several big shopkeepers are seeing a surge in their profits from Ganesh idol selling. Vinod Kumar, a Ganesh idol seller in Noida's Arun Vihar, has seen a surge in demand for clay Ganesh idols over the past few years. While shopkeepers are selling clay Ganesh idols at the cost of PoP idols, their high maintenance and fragile nature often makes them prone to higher cost.