Divine art

Episode in Sector 9, Chandigarh, boasts of a large sale of Ganesha idols every year. 8220;Usually it8217;s Diwali that sees the highest demand but throughout the year people purchase the idols on different occasions. Ganesha is a symbol of good luck and prosperity so whether it is a festival or house-warming people like to gift this,8221; tells Anu Bains, the owner. Owing to the high demand during Diwali, the store will have a huge collection in a month8217;s time. 8220;People usually purchase huge idols to place at the entrances of their houses and even offices,8221; she adds. These range from Rs 14,000 onwards and can be decorated with water and petals to add more appeal. While wood is big and striking, ceramic and brass are also popular. But terracotta with special paint finish is a perennial favourite. 8220;The paint makes it weather-proof so people can place the idol outside in the gardens as well. I haven8217;t heard of a similar concept elsewhere in the city,8221; claims Bains.

If it8217;s smaller idols that you want to look for, then gift shops like Archies are just the place for you. 8220;Ganesha stands for wisdom so it8217;s a favourite among parents,8221; tells Kaul of an Archies outlet, Panchkula. Tiny idols are often picked up as gifts for children. Choose from innovative water balls Rs 425, pencil stands that can also used to hold agarbattis, key chains, Ganesha frames, car hangings Rs 170, wooden idols Rs 299 plus, marble ones Rs 650 and ones in black stone and white stone. Take a pick of a pendant and a coin at

Tanishq where the gold pieces are available in weights of two grams to eight grams.

Uma Gift Mart, Sector 9, Panchkula keeps innovating the different moods of Ganesha. There is such a variety in themes that customers are always in for a surprise. Uma is a self-manufacturing unit so Capt. Sharma, Managing Director, keeps working on new ideas with his team. 8220;The most popular Ganesha idols have been Ganesha with mridangam and Ganesha with sitar. People loved different postures of Ganesha,8221; he tells, adding that Ganesha sitting with trunk on the right side is considered auspicious. But the most exciting one probably was the 11-member Ganesha cricket players8217; team! The prices range from Rs 500 to Rs 20,000, however here8217;s the catch. 8220;The metal rate is exorbitantly high and fluctuating, so if you are buying a six-inch statue for Rs 300 today may be in few days, you will have to shell out Rs 600 for the same!8221; warns Sharma. At Uma you may shop for idols in brass, poly raisin, wood carvings and bronze. 8220;Brass has longer life so it8217;s more in demand.8221; There are also Ganesha paintings available in the price range of Rs 2,500 to Rs 6,000.

Letting Ganesha light up your world. Deep Glamour Lights, Sector 7, Chandigarh has various options in gate, verandah, hanging and wall lights. Amardeep Singh tells that the wall lights are made on order and glass of any colour is cut in the shape of Ganesha. While the gate lights are priced at Rs 450 the others cost Rs 275. So whether you want a 8216;godly8217; present for a friend or yourself, let Ganesha bless all!