From the eye's of a Sculptor

Programs held during Navaratri should be based on Righteousness and culture

Mr. Sudesh Surve, a resident of Mandavi, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra has been sculpting idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Durga for the past six years. He is also a member of the Navratrotsav Mandal in Mandavi. His thoughts on the art of sculpting and Navaratri celebrations are given below.

Sculpt idols from clay (Shadu) not of POP

Mr. Surve explained that sculpting idols is an art and not a profession. He uses Shadu clay (a type of clay) for making the sculpture and not plaster of Paris since it does not dissolve in water completely. After immersion some parts of such idols may be seen floating near the seashore or riverbank. He feels distressed on seeing the remnants of these plaster of Paris idols floating about.

Goddess gets the sculpting through Him

Sometimes after completing an idol, Mr Surve realizes that it was the Goddess Herself who got it sculpted, using him as a medium. He has noticed that the atmosphere at home is blissful when an idol is being sculpted. Also, ever since he started sculpting idols, he has never experienced any financial or physical constraints. He sculpts idols of different forms of the female deity, such as sitting on the lion or tiger, destroying the demons, seated, etc.

Unity in the town increases during Navaratri

Mr. Surve explained the difference of the Navaratri celebrations in his town as against the recent trend of celebrations elsewhere. Before the Navaratri celebrations begin, everyone from various parts of the town come together to discuss and plan the celebration. Accordingly, they celebrate it collectively in the main areas of the town, instead of celebrating it individually. They celebrate Navaratra not only for the Garbha and Dandiya ras, (traditional dance) but also with the intention of uniting all the people. During the celebrations, they organize spiritual programs, such as singing holy songs (bhajans), performing ritualistic fire offerings (Chandiyag), etc. They play only holy songs on the music system instead of film songs. Members of their organization are each given a responsibility during days of Navaratra celebrations, wherein they organize a variety of programs for the children. For the award ceremony, they invite a person of righteous character, rather than inviting politicians. During this period most people from their town do not consume meat, alcohol or tobacco.