Most Ganesha Idols Made in 99 days-world record set
by Rama Shah
MUMBAI, India -- Rama Shah, 39, a staunch devotee of
Lord Ganesha, made 9999 idols in 99 days-setting the world
record for the Most
Ganesha Idols Hand Made in 99 days. Photo: From Ganeshas in a pista shell
to Ganeshas on swings, from Ganeshas on marble to Ganeshas
on envelopes, Rama’s skillful, nimble hands have moulded them
all. Green, blue, yellow, orange, they are fruits of her labour.
(enlarge
photo)
Considering herself completely consumed in
the art, Shah's devotion began after the Lord appeared in
dreams in 2000.
Her interest in moulding, sculpting and
colouring the idols saw Rama make 9,999 Ganesh idols in just
99 days in August 2000.
Rama’s endeavour began after she felt that ‘‘she
should do something that no one has ever attempted before.’’
The impetus came from a dream. ‘‘One night
I dreamt of Lord Ganesha. After the dream, I decided that
I will try my hand at making Ganesh idols,’’ says Rama. One
idol led to another and soon Rama found that making these
idols was an activity she enjoyed immensely.
Photo: Not only does 39-year-old Rama
Satish Shah make idols by the hundreds every day, she even
makes them blindfolded!
(enlarge
photo)
Initially, the going was tough and she managed
to make just about 8-10 idols daily; but soon, Rama got the
hang of things until finally, she could manage a mind-boggling
120 Ganesh idols in a day!
Insisting that her interest in these idols
is not business-oriented, Rama reveals that she only decided
to sell them after friends and acquaintances told her that
the idols proved extremely lucky for them.
Priced from Rs 10 to Rs 9,000, the unbreakable,
washable, handmade idols started attracting clientele. As
orders began to pour in from all over the city, Rama began
devoting more time to her hobby. In this, she was ably supported
by husband Satish, who she says, ‘‘supported her whole-heartedly.’’
