He was not as lucky as Sujata. Though his workshop is also far from the river, it is in a low-lying area. "About 8,000 idols were washed away. Luckily, the casts were spared," he says, dusting off a two-foot tall idol.

Not giving up easily, he ordered more clay from Bhavnagar, Gujarat, and got down to work. "We cannot use the rains as an excuse for customers. Most of them are retailers and have their own commitments," he adds, bringing dull clay to life, spraying baby pink all over.

It's been a month since the waters receded and Patil has almost made up for losses. "Since those who work with me are family, I can request them to work on Janmashtami too.

At this rate, we will make up for the lost idols."

Even as he speaks, his hands refuse to leave the idols. He doesn't even look up. There are none of the huge idols we were promised at his place though.

"For that, you will have to go to Kasarahalli, to our adhyakshji's place," Patil tells us. The adyakshji in question -- Shrikanth Deodhar, who also taught Patil's father the craft.

Also See: Where Ganesha emerges from