But, wait. On August 26 he will be serving his parents like Shravan in one lane of Khanderao market, dancing in one lane of Nyay Mandir, while playing musical instruments in another.

And dozens of idol-makers of Vadodara are maintaining a veil of secrecy regarding the details of their Ganeshas, made of plaster of paris, clay and even fibre. Devotees of the elephant god are sure in for a plethora of pleasant surprises.

``Crores of rupees are spent on this day, which means good business too. Dozens of idol-makers in Vadodara alone get fair returns of their art during this fortnight. There are individual devotees, groups as well as other social fora in each and every lane of the city'', says Dinesh More, who's come to buy an idol at a shop in Nagarwada.

Satish Trivedi, Ramesh and his brother Ashok Ajmeri, probably the most famous idol-makers at Kalamandir area, however, say there are only a couple of artistes in the city. ``Thousands of devotees as well as small-time businessmen either get the idol from us or from Ahmedabad or Godhra,'' they claim.

``But we are not the only creators. There are many who buy the idols from us, paste circuit wires, chocolates, toffees, dry fruits, electric bulbs, ice-creams or anything attractive. They are the real artistes who make the festival lively,'' says Ramesh, who has won prizes for the best decoration in a number of contests, held by various organisations, including the Lok Manya Mandal and the Manikchand group.

Dipak Dodia, another artist, says the festival also opens up a number of opportunities for youths, who learn the art of making idols and decorating them. Some of them also get temporary jobs like maintaining accounts and shop-keeping, he says, adding 20 such youths are working with him.

The idols come at a variety of prizes. Says Niranjan Thakore, a prominent resident of Mangal bazar area and a former Vadodara Municipal Corporation counselor, ``Idols are available from Rs 50 to Rs 25,000.''

He claims since the past several years, he has been buying the tallest idols. This year he spend about Rs 30,000 on the idol, he adds.

And different sizes is not the only attraction. A variety of music, religious functions before the festival and of course lots of fun and gaiety mark the festival.

Meanwhile, the crowd of devotees thronging the hundreds of small and big shops grows, as the day approaches.