India is a land of diverse religions. Religious festivals are celebrations of shared emotions that bring people of all communities together. A Muslim artisan in Gujarat is busy creating Lord Ganesh’s idols for Ganesh Chaturthi festival, celebrations for which usually last for 10 days. Iqbal Qureshi has been making Ganesha idols for the past 18 years, spreading the message of communal harmony through his work. Iqbal’s interest in the work peaked at a young age when he saw other artists making idols in various sizes near his school. Iqbal says when his customers worship the idols bought from him, it feels he is also worshipping Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha, who is considered as the deity of prosperity.
