Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Trendy Ganesh idols drive booming Nunna festival market
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival when people bring home or install statues of Lord Ganesha.
At Nunna near Vijayawada, many colourful and unusual statues are being sold this year.
Makers created about 25 new designs inspired by styles from Mumbai, Kolkata and other northern States.
The statues come in different sizes and prices.
The most unusual one shows Ganesha standing on snakes and is 15 feet tall.
Workers from several places are helping paint and decorate the statues.
These idols are being sent to many districts in Andhra Pradesh.
Sellers say business is better this year, although buyers are bargaining over prices.
About 25 new Ganesh idol designs are attracting youngsters and festival committees at Nunna Mango Market.
The standout 15-foot Naga Padagala Ganesh is priced at Rs 1.40 lakh, though buyers have offered Rs 1.10 lakh to Rs 1.20 lakh.
Idols measuring six to 15 feet are being supplied from Nunna to around 12 to 15 districts.
About 500 workers are involved in idol-making and decoration across roughly 12 units operating at the market.
Traders said sales have improved, with about 80% of the idols reportedly sold before Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14.
- Who
- Idol makers, artisans, traders, youngsters and Ganesh Chaturthi organising committees are involved.
- What
- Nunna’s idol market is selling colourful, trendy and traditional Ganesh idols in various sizes and designs.
- When
- Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls on September 14; idol production has been underway for about eight months.
- Where
- The Nunna Mango Market near Vijayawada, with idols supplied to around 12 to 15 districts.
- Why
- New designs inspired by northern Indian styles have increased interest among youngsters and festival committees, while traders aim to improve sales.
Traders and artisans
Buyers and festival committees
Pricing pressure
Traders and artisans
Traders said production and decoration costs have increased, making it difficult to reduce prices.
Buyers and festival committees
Buyers, particularly youngsters and festival committees, are bargaining heavily for lower prices.
Market performance
Traders and artisans
Traders described business as better than in previous years and expected to sell the remaining idols soon.
Buyers and festival committees
The market still faces price sensitivity, and buyers are comparing different designs and negotiating before purchasing.
- Festival date
- Ganesh Chaturthi is scheduled for September 14.
- New designs
- About 25 new and rare idol models were introduced this year.
- Largest attraction
- A 15-foot Naga Padagala Ganesh, showing Ganesha standing on snakes.
- Price range
- Reported prices range from Rs 10,000 for some small idols to Rs 1.50 lakh for larger decorated models.
- Production workforce
- Nearly 500 workers are engaged in idol-making and decoration.
- Market units
- Around 12 idol-making units have operated at Nunna for the past eight months.
- Reported sales
- One trader said approximately 80% of the idols had already been sold.