At Pune’s Yerawada Jail, inmates turn artists for Ganeshotsav, shaping idols and hope

This year, 150 idols are being produced, and over 100 have already been booked. Prices range between Rs 251 and Rs 3,000, with popular designs including Vakratunda, Kamal Aasan, and replicas of Pune’s iconic Dagdusheth idol. The tallest Ganpati stands at 1.75 ft, and each idol is sold with a wooden paat for installation.

The project began at Nashik Central Jail in 2017, where sales crossed Rs 13 lakh in the first year, before being introduced at Yerawada jail. In Pune, 250 idols were sold in 2021. This year’s idols are being crafted by five convicted prisoners, chosen through the work allotment committee. They work under the guidance of Sunil Dhamal, Superintendent of Prison; Pallavi Kadam, Deputy Superintendent of Prison; factory manager Shivaji Patil, and technical officer P W Kharolkar.

Emphasising the programme’s discipline and inclusivity, Kadam says: “Only convicted prisoners are selected, not those on trial. But during Ganeshotsav, people from all communities come together inside the jail — some place photos of Bappa in their barracks, some chant aartis. For 10 days, there is a different atmosphere in the prison.”

The idols are made of shaadu maati, natural clay that dissolves easily in water and avoids the environmental damage of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols. Kadam adds, “We want to create more awareness among citizens about eco-friendly Ganeshotsav. Punekars should encourage the prisoners working on these efforts.”

‘Vakratunda’ Ganesh idol by Maharashtra Karagruha (MaKa)

Sales are managed through the Maharashtra Karagruha (MaKa) shop opposite the Yerawada sub-post office, run by Sanjay Tiwatne. Demand is consistent, and the department now plans to introduce designs to make the idols more market-ready and expand both production and participation.

Kadam notes that the idol-making process has noticeable effects on those involved. “You can see the prisoners’ concentration and discipline improving. Their mental health is better, and when they carve the eyes of Bappa, you can feel the devotion,” she says.

She also offers a note of caution to youngsters, “Today’s youth are influenced by movies or by people who glorify crime. They think it is trendy, but the reality inside is very different. These prisoners are trying to channel their energy into something constructive. The society should recognise that.”

Viraj Mandar Paranjape is an intern with The Indian Express.