Choosing an idol is a personal decision, often guided by family tradition or a specific deity you feel drawn to. Ganesh idols are a popular first choice for new households, symbolizing a good beginning, while Lakshmi idols are favored for prosperity.

Size matters too — for a small home altar, a 6 to 9 inch idol is usually plenty, while larger pieces work well as centerpieces in a dedicated puja room.

Whatever you choose, a hand-carved wooden idol brings warmth and craftsmanship that mass-produced pieces simply can't match.