A pagdi that fits sits naturally on the murti and stays in place through the festival. A few measurements and photos are all we need to suggest the right style and size.
What you need
- A soft measuring tape, the kind a tailor uses
- A phone camera
- A helper to hold the tape steady
Measurements to take
1. Idol height
From the base the murti sits on to the top of the head.
2. Head width
Across the forehead where the pagdi will sit, from one side to the other, keeping clear of the ears.
3. Head depth
From the front of the forehead to the back of the head, if the back of the murti is reachable.
4. Clearance above the head
If the murti sits under a makhar, mandap or arch, measure the space between the top of the head and the frame, so the pagdi and its crest fit.
Photos to send
- A straight front photo of the murti
- One from the side
- One with the tape held against the head, so the scale is clear
Colours
Tell us the colours of the dhoti, shela and backdrop. A pagdi in a related or complementary colour looks part of the decoration rather than added to it.
Handle clay murtis gently
Never press the tape into the paint or the clay. Hold it just off the surface, or ask the murti maker for the measurements when you book.
Send them early
Ganesh Chaturthi falls in August or September, and many households and mandals prepare in the same few weeks. Send your measurements as soon as the murti is chosen. See Ganpati pagdi for styles.
