Vile Parle mandal keeps eco-friendly tradition alive

Doing their bit to spread the message of environment conservation across since 2013, the Bal Mitra Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal on Dayaldas Road of Vile Parle will be bringing out a papier-mâché Ganpati this year as well. The mandal had started with Ganesh idols made of clay in 2013, before shifting to papier-mâché idols later.

Mandal secretary Jignesh Patel said, "A papier-mâché idol is costly but lighter. It doesn't add to the pollution and helps spread the message of environment conservation. Instead of spending a huge amount on decoration, we prefer to pay more for an eco-friendly Ganpati. The idol dissolves in water within 10 minutes. Later, we take out the insoluble materials used for making the idol, such as jute and wooden sticks."

Talking about why they shifted from clay to papier-mâché idols, Patel said, "Clay idols are made of shadu mati. They are very heavy. Several people are required to lift that idol. Before 2013, we were installing nearly 7ft PoP idols. Then, while taking the decision to increase the height to 15ft, we also wanted to contribute for the environment."

Matunga-based idol-maker Sagar Chitale, who creates these papier-mâché idols, said, "People are not yet aware of this concept. They need to book the order at least eight months in advance. I started taking this year's orders during last year's navrati festival. I make the idols out of waste newspapers. They can't be made during monsoon because paper needs time to dry. The idol for this mandal took at least 20 days to dry completely. I have put four layers of paper to give it a proper shape."

Not just the idol but the decoration of the mandal is eco-friendly as well. "The cloth used during decoration can be recycled later for other functions. Looking at our huge papier-mâché idol, a few small mandals have also been encouraged to start the practise."

This year, the pandal's decor will be done reflecting the social message of organ donation.