How to make Ganesh Idol (for kids)

Written By Sreedhar Vengala

Making a Ganesh idol from clay can be a fun and educational activity for kids. It's a great way to engage with the cultural and spiritual aspects of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, or simply to enjoy some hands-on art time. Here's a simple guide on how to do it:

What You'll Need:

  • Air-drying clay or natural clay (about 1-2 pounds)

  • A small rolling pin or a cylindrical bottle

  • Toothpicks or small wooden sticks for detailing

  • Water

  • Acrylic paints (optional, for decoration)

  • Paintbrushes (optional, for decoration)

  • A small piece of cloth (optional, for decoration)

Safety Precautions:

  • Adult supervision is recommended throughout the process, especially if younger kids are involved.

  • Keep small items away from young children to prevent choking hazards.

  • Wash your hands before and after handling clay.

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Workspace:
    Lay out some newspaper or a plastic sheet on your workspace to keep things clean.

  2. Divide the Clay:
    Take a large piece of clay and divide it into parts for the body, head, ears, trunk, and limbs.

  3. Create the Base:
    Roll a ball for the body of Ganesh and flatten it slightly so that it can sit without wobbling.

  4. Make the Head:
    Roll a smaller ball of clay for the head and attach it on top of the body. You can use a toothpick to help secure it in place if needed.

  5. Shape the Ears:
    Create two small, flattened oval shapes for the ears. Attach them on either side of the head and blend them in.

  6. Craft the Trunk:
    Roll a small piece of clay into a cylindrical shape to make the trunk. Bend it slightly and attach it in the middle of the face.

  7. Add the Limbs:
    Roll four small cylindrical shapes for the arms and legs. Attach them to the body. Use toothpicks for additional support if necessary.

  8. Fine-Tuning:
    Use a toothpick or your fingertips to smooth out any rough edges, blend where needed, and add details like eyes, mouth, and any accessories.

  9. Let it Dry:
    Allow your Ganesh idol to air dry according to the clay instructions. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on the type of clay and the thickness of your idol.

  10. Paint and Decorate (Optional):
    Once your idol is completely dry, you can paint it using acrylic paints. Add details like clothing or accessories using small pieces of cloth or more clay.

  11. Seal the Paint (Optional):
    If you’ve painted your idol, you can apply a clear acrylic sealant to protect the paint, but this is optional.

Congratulations, you've made your very own Ganesh idol from clay! This can be a great way to engage in cultural traditions, or simply enjoy a creative afternoon.

Below is the reference video:

Sreedhar Vengala