MEERUT: As the Navaratri festival approaches, the bustling lanes of Meeruts Thapar Nagar come alive with the artistry of Manoj Prajapati. The 46-year-old sculptor belongs to a family that has been bringing the idols of Goddess Durga to life for seven generations.Originally from Sindh province in undivided India, Manojs ancestors moved to Meerut in 1932 in search of better business opportunities. "Back in Sindh, our ancestors used to make clay pots, crockery, and playthings. In Meerut, my great-grandfather, Buddhanlal Prajapati, started making big sculptures," Madanlal Prajapati, the octogenarian in the family, told TOI. Manoj said, In the past, we primarily catered to approximately 200 Bengali families in the district for the supply of these statues. However, things are changing gradually as demand has seen a slight increase. While the number is not significantly higher, we are now receiving requests from non-Bengali families for Goddess Durga and Sherawali statues, he said. Manoj further added, The impact of social media has boosted sales to some extent. Over the past five years, demand has surged by 40%. However, the procurement of raw materials is becoming a challenge as people are seeking more eco-friendly and water-soluble idol replicas. However, the dwindling supply of clay has become a concern. Sometimes we have to refuse the orders because of it.Taking pride in their 200-year-old business, Manoj said, Its been our family business for over 200 years, and every generation of our family worked in this business. My 10-year-old son, Lakshya Prajapati, a class 3 student, also helps me in his free time. I hope he will continue this tradition in the years to come. We also published the following articles recentlyBihar: 20-year-old mans private part chopped off by girlfriends family members in MuzaffarpurA shocking incident occurred in Muzaffarpur district, where the family of a woman chopped off the private part of her boyfriend. The victim, a 20-year-old, is currently hospitalized. The incident took place after the victim went to the womans house in response to a fraudulent call claiming her father had a heart attack. The victims family has filed a police complaint, but both parties are now attempting to resolve the matter privately.6 Powerful Mantras of Goddess Durga, know the benefitsNavratri festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the source of power and courage. There are nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during this festival. Chanting powerful Durga mantras can bring protection, knowledge, relief from mental stress, physical benefits, and fulfillment of desires. These mantras also cleanse the mind, body, and soul, improve concentration, and help get rid of enemies and negative forces. Devotees should chant these mantras 108 times with devotion and dedication.Akhil Marar makes his 8-year-old fans dream come trueAn 8-year-old girl named Shivani, who was seen selling lunch packets on the roadside, became viral on social media. In a video, she expressed her three wishes in life, one of which was to meet Bigg Boss Malayalam 5 winner Akhil Marar. Akhil surprised Shivani by visiting her school and spending time with her. The heartwarming moment of Shivani asking if she could kiss Akhil has gained a lot of attention online. Akhil Marar became popular after winning Bigg Boss Malayalam 5.

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