Salem traders claim sluggish sale of Vinayaka idols this year
Traders in Salem report a significant decline in Vinayaka Chaturthi idol sales compared to previous years. Factors cited include increased competition, rising festival costs, and stricter government regulations on idol size and installation.
Why it matters
The decline in traditional festival commerce reflects broader economic shifts and the impact of regulatory changes on small-scale seasonal businesses.
Traders in Salem said that they witnessed a tepid sale of idols for Vinayaka Chaturthi festival, to be celebrated on Monday (September 14), compared with sales in previous years.
Major idol markets in Salem are located in Chinna Kadai Veethi, First Agraharam, Second Agraharam, Nethimedu, Kondalampatti, Gugai, Dadagapatti, Alagapuram, Five Roads, Shevapet, Omalur, Mettur, Edappadi, and Sankari.
Deputy president of Salem District Vinayakar Idols Manufacturers and Traders Association T. Kannan said his family has been selling idols for the past 50 years. “In the past, we sold around 600 Vinayaka idols for the festival. This year, until Sunday, we sold around 100. As per the government instruction, the maximum height of the idol was nine feet. Based on size, idols are priced in the range of ₹100-₹20,000,” he said.
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