Vibrant, colourful Ganesha idols can be seen lined at market places, in preparation for Ganesha Chathurthi.
Vibrant, colourful Ganesha idols can be seen lined at market places, in preparation for Ganesha Chathurthi. But, before you select one for your home, take a moment to think about the harmful effect the paint can have on the surroundings. Clay Ganesha is the way to go.
Did you know that the paints used to beautify our beloved Lord Ganesha are highly poisonous? In fact, about 180-200 grams of paint is used for an idol weighing about 2 kgs. Of this, four to eight per cent is lead, which is a slow poison.
With celebrations of Ganesha Chaturthi doubling over the years, there has been a rise in the purchase of Ganesha idols. While this is good news for idol makers, the harmful chemicals used in the idols have been spelling disaster for the environment.
Dr T Venkatesh, principal advisor, Quality Council of India, points out how the toxic paint affects the environment and us. “Once the idol is immersed, the paint dissolves into the water. Animals may drink this lead-contaminated water that eventually ends up in our food chain through milk products or meat.”
This, he says, can affect the mental development of growing children, as well as the nervous system.
Venkatesh, who is also part of the National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India (NRCLPI), quips: “But there is a 100% solution to this.” He advises that it is best to opt for clay or vegetable dyed idols. “These are available with all artisans. For the past four years, we have worked towards safeguarding the health of artisans too from lead-related hazards,” says Shashidhara N, convenor, ecoGanesha, Crafts Council of India.
Shashidhara says that the problem that artisans face is that there is no demand for eco-friendly idols.
So, as a consumer, the onus lies with you to ask for clay Ganeshas. “Even Ganeshas made of plaster of paris are not advisable,” says Shashidhara, as it clogs lakes and acts as a pollutant.
The advantages of purchasing small, clay Ganeshas is that it is a win-win for all. There is less work for artisans, it takes lesser time to dissolve in water and it does not harm the environment.
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