Once it’s dry, the moulds are removed and a layer of wax is applied. A masala shop at the end of the lane with the pounding machines inside the shop attracts a lot of customers. There, a family is making small idols for Naag Panchami by making cobra idols.” And after some hot chai and pakoda, the tour sets off for the next stop.In the final leg of the tour, the group heads towards Lal Bagh where Mumbai’s most famous Ganpati sits. After a quick detour off the track, the tour gets back in search of more Ganesh idol workshop and discovers a smaller one, with idols ideal for homes. From unique colours such as grey and red to him sitting with Hanuman or looking like Krishna, the artists are experimenting with their creativity. And in case of pandals, Ganesha visits you so he is in standing pose. But your noses will get a quick shock, as next to these shops is the famous masala galli, selling all kinds of spices. Ganesh is seen as a guest, who comes for a few days, has fun and then has to depart, teaching the young ones to let go.” The idol-making process used to be an intimate experience with all members of the family getting together to make it. Noticing the various poses the Ganesha as acquired overtime, Ramanand explains, "Originally Ganesha in the sitting pose was meant for homes. That is the softest soil, and people used to make idols from that.Walking next to the busy lanes of Parel, the tour guide also lead us to an old building with common space inside the compound, a rare sight in Mumbai now.Next to a busy street in Parel, a group of five gathered for a walk inside the bylanes.” But in recent times, the idols have taken various other forms and one in making also has a flying pose. They have their very own combination and they get the spices roasted and pounded in bulk for the entire year,” says Ramanand.” At these small workshops, Ganesh can be seen in various avatars. "For other body parts, we can use moulds but for ears, since it’s so thin and fragile, it has to be hand moulded with clay,” he explains. end-of Tags: ganesh, ganesh chathurthi, ramanand kowta, naag panchami. Noticing the idols closely, one of the participants pointed out that the belly of Ganesha is not as round as it should be, to which the tour guide laughs and says, "People are getting fitter, they want their Ganesh to be fit too. "During summer, women would sit outside this shop for hours, waiting for their turn to get masalas made. Some are completely painted and draped in dhoti while others are still in the mould, waiting to dry off. Walking around the workshop, one can see various elements being made, be it the backdrop of Ganesha or various body parts - everything under one shed. An artist explaining the process says, "Coconut husk is mixed with clay and is packed in the mold. Noticing the trunk of Ganesha, Ramanand explains its significance saying, "For idols made for homes, the trunk of Ganesha will always be bent towards the left which is the feminine side and is ideal for homes, whereas for temples, the trunk is bent towards the right. As the city gears up for its biggest festival in September, the process of idol making is in its last stages. Organised by Breakaway this tour's guide, Ramanand Kowta explained the history of the festival, saying, "During the season just after the monsoon, the earthworms become active and at some places push out the soil. On the other end of the workshop, where many idols are still in the initial stages of making, an artist sculpts the elephant-like ears from clay

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