Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of pomp and celebration. Everyone dresses their best, the ladies put on their most beautiful traditional jewelry, and the men their best watches and chains as they come together in worship and devotion of Bappa.  

So, doesn't the star of the show deserve that decoration, some adornment to amplify their glory? With the DIY Shadu Mati Ganpati , you can adorn Bappa with the most intricate of details. But the reality is slightly different. Yes, the kit is easy enough for beginners, with a detailed tutorial from a master murtikaar (just SCAN and play!). But, sculpting for the first time can be daunting, no matter how simple the tools are, or how pure the Shadu Mati is (100%, in case you were wondering). 

So, we at Kitsters tried to compile a short guide for easy-to-add details for your first time as a sculptor of the DIY Shadu Mati Ganpati!   ! Here are some beautiful but simple details you MUST add to your Shadu Mati Ganpati: 

1. Abhaya Mudra (Blessing Hand Gesture)   

The elephant-headed God is renowned for his abundant blessings. The arrival of Ganpati to your house enriches the homely atmosphere. Ganpati is ideally portrayed to have his right hand in an abhaya mudra. Whatever your wish is, and how far you are from it, the blessings of your Shadu Ganpati might just be what you need. HOW: Keep an eye-line distance and ensure the hand is parallel to the shoulder and vertical to the ground, then craft the shoulder and hand.

2. Mukut (Crown/Headpiece) 

Your Gharyache Raja needs a crown to glorify him, as he brings joy and peace into your home. Similar to the big idols, your Shadu Mati Idol can have a decorative crown or a "pheta" (turban-like headwear) that highlights his divine status and gives him a princely look. HOW: The mukut can be sculpted out of clay by creating a base on top of the idol, and using layered strips to create tiers and a pointed end of the headpiece. 

3. Armlets, Anklets and Bracelets

The giver of knowledge and wisdom needs some bling of his own! Traditionally, the Ganpati idol is adorned with Bajuband (armlets that show off his strength), Payal ( an ode to the gracefulness of his feet) and Kangan (an ode to the wisdom he wields in his hands). HOW: Roll thin strips of clay or tiny clay balls, twist and join them in a circle around the arms, ankles or wrists of the idol. Adjust the width and style on the basis of type of jewelery.

4. Mooshak 

First and foremost, how can Ganpati be honoured without their most loyal companion, Mooshak? He symbolizes the free-wheeling desires of the human mind that are regulated by knowledge and restraint, represented by his elephant-headed Lord. Their bond is a true showcase of accepting challenges and embracing differences rather than shying away from them. HOW: Create a rounded body, add a teardrop-shaped head, small leaf shaped ears, and a tail. 

5. Modak 

This sweet dish is often present in the lower left arm of the deity, with its trunk facing towards the delicious sweet. After all, even the divine can have a sweet tooth, just like us! HOW:  Create a small, rounded teardrop shape and flatten it from behind. You can make a small modak in his palm, symbolizing the sweetness and fulfillment knowledge provides, and even add an entire plate of mini modaks at his feet! 

Let's Go Green This Ganesh Chaturthi!

This Ganesh Chaturthi, let's embrace a more sustainable and enriching way to celebrate. By choosing DIY Shadu Mati Ganpati idols, we not only honor Lord Ganesha but also show our respect for the environment and create beautiful memories in the process.

So why wait, share your #ShandaarShaduMatiGanpati pictures @kitsters.in on IG and drop us a comment below on eco-friendly traditions you would love to incorporate in this year's Ganpati