The story
Idol-making in Pen began more than a century ago, and families in Pen town and nearby villages such as Hamrapur and Johe now make idols all year for the Ganeshotsav festival. Artisans are known for fine painting of eyes and ornaments. Idols are sent by truck to Mumbai, across Maharashtra, other states and abroad. Pen Ganesh idols got a GI tag in 2024.
In numbers
The Ganesh Idol Cluster, Pen (SPV: Vishesh Hetu Wahan, Pen Hamrapur Murtikar Vikas Mandal) had 208 micro units, a turnover of Rs 4,37,40,000 and exports of Rs 3,00,000; employment: 322 skilled, 236 semi-skilled and 118 unskilled workers.
Brief Industrial Profile of Raigad District, MSME-DI (Ministry of MSME) · 2017Pen Ganesh Idol is a registered GI (Application No. 949, Certificate No. 601 dated 30-03-2024); the applicant is Shri Ganesh Murtikar ani Vyavasayik Kalyankari Mandal.
GI Registry (IP India) – Application No. 949, Pen Ganesh Idol · 2024
GI tag
- Pen Ganesh IdolApplication no. GI Application No. 949, Certificate No. 601 (30-03-2024)GI Registry (IP India) – Application No. 949, Pen Ganesh Idol
Ways in for a newcomer
- Eco-friendly shadu-clay and paper idols as PoP rules tighten
- Online booking and doorstep delivery of idols
- Natural, water-based paints and colours supply
- Year-round products: decorative idols, home-temple items
Problems the cluster faces
- Restrictions on plaster of Paris (PoP) idols and immersion rules
- Highly seasonal cash flow
- Rising cost of clay, paint and transport
- Storage space for idols through the monsoon
Businesses to start here
Plaster of Paris Manufacturing →Terracotta Décor & Utility Ware →