Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (MS)

Sullia, Sep 6: It has long been a tradition to craft Ganesha idols from mud, and Krishna Prasad has been continuing this practice for 35 years at Kukke Subramanya in the taluk, making artistic Mrinmaya Ganapa idols.

Krishna Prasad, a bank manager by profession, has mastered the art of making beautiful Ganesha idols from mud and has been serving the community through his craft. He creates eco-friendly idols that are both artistic and memorable.

For the past 24 years, Krishna Prasad has worked in a nationalised bank, starting with Dena Bank in Bengaluru. Over the years, he served in Chennai and Bengaluru before being promoted to branch manager. He held positions in Kinnigoli, Chikkamagaluru, and later in Subramanya when Dena Bank merged with Bank of Baroda. Currently, he serves at the Nagpur branch. Despite his banking career, he has never abandoned his passion for idol-making, calling it his service to Lord Ganesha and his native community. He has now taken leave from his bank duties to return to Subramanya, where he is completing the preparation of idols—about 80% of the work is done.

Krishna Prasad's journey into idol-making began in childhood, watching his father, Padmanabha Bhat, and brother, Vasudeva Bhat, craft Mrinmaya Ganapati idols. He later assisted senior artist Gopi Kittanna, who created Ganesha idols for the Kukke Sri Subramanya temple, honing his skills further. Remarkably, he learned this art without formal training, simply by observing other idol makers. His brother Vasudeva Bhat continues to support him in this labor of love for their native town.

At a young age, Krishna Prasad took up the responsibility of crafting Ganapa idols for Subramanya Math. Over the years, he has carved various forms, including Krishnaroopi, Ramaroopi, Nagaroopi, Narasimharoopi, and Shilaroopi Ganapa idols, as well as the unique colourless Madi Ganapati. For 29 years, he has made the Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava idol, which is the largest mud Ganesha idol in Subramanya. This year, he is crafting the idol for the 54th Ganeshotsava, where Sri Mahaganapati will also be offered a silver crown and Pashankusha. In addition to this, he has created more than 10 other idols for various Ganeshotsava celebrations.

Krishna Prasad uses no paper or chemicals in his process. He begins by creating a hollow shape and incorporates intricate artwork, including branches, leaves, ornaments, snakes, cloth, a rat, and a crown on the idol. This year, he has switched to eco-friendly colors made from Garike hay to ensure his work is environmentally safe.

Dinesh Mogra, president of the Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava committee in Subramanya, praised Krishna Prasad’s dedication, stating, "The commitment of a bank officer who serves Lord Ganesha through his passion is remarkable. His eco-friendly approach is a model for others. It is commendable that he uses chemical-free Garike colors to protect the environment."

K Yajnesh Achar, an artist from Subramanya, added, "Krishna Prasad has been making idols of Vigna Vinashaka Vinayaka for the past 30 years. His craftsmanship is extraordinary, and his dedication to making eco-friendly Ganesha idols is truly admirable, even as he balances his profession as a bank officer."