Waking the clay: How Dhoolpet’s kalakaars breathe life into Bappa | Hyderabad News
Hyderabad’s photography communities are exploring Dhoolpet, capturing the making of behind the city’s Ganesha idols.Pic Credits: Sanjana Pulugurtha
Before the drums of Ganesh Chaturthi begin, Dhoolpet’s lanes hum with the meticulous business of making Bappa. Hyderabad Times explores how local photowalks are capturing these unsung artisans, preserving the people behind the idols one frame at a time.“Inside quiet workshops, tired hands spend hours moulding clay to bring Bappa to life. We celebrate the finished idol, but overlook the repetitive work behind it. Every expression is born entirely from years of practice and effort.”— Keerthi Sangu, photographer and social media manager
Pic Credits: Sanjana Pulugurtha
“Generations of kalakaars have dedicated their lives to this craft in Dhoolpet, the absolute heart of Ganesha idol-making in Hyderabad. Step into their welcoming workshops, and you witness the complete process, from sculpting heavy structures to painting fine details. Much of their hard work remains unnoticed, hiding the incredible patience, skill, and raw emotion that goes into every idol.”— Naveen Janga, organiser, Photowalks Hyderabad
@Photowalkshyderabad
“Dhoolpet’s artisans don’t just make idols during the festival season; they live this art every day. Passed down through generations, the craft spills into their homes and streets. Everywhere you look, you find moulds, colours, and everyday dedication.”— Sai Thejeshwar, organiser, Shutter Society Photowalks
@Shuttersociety.hyd
“The real beauty of this craft lies not just in the final creation, but in the process and the people behind it. Interacting with the artisans while they work feels like connecting with fellow artists. There is something striking about watching wet clay being shaped, detailed, and brought to life. We usually only see God after the idol is complete, but the true artistry is in the everyday journey of creating Him.”— Apurva, videographer, cinematographer and photographer
@Apurv_katha
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