The immersion of the Origami Ganpati

One family bid adieu to the simple paper Ganpati they had created in an attempt to spread the importance of going green

On September 14, all roads led to the sea as Lord Ganesha bid Mumbaikars farewell with great pomp and splendour. But there was one Ganpati who was different from the rest; beautiful and magnificent, he was also as close to being environmentally friendly as possible. And this was due to the efforts of origami artist, Ratnakar Mahajan, who decided to go the whole hog and create a papier-mâché Ganpati. 

Mahajan and his family have played host to eco-friendly Ganeshas for the last five years, but it was only this year that they decided to make it a big affair in an attempt to spread awareness in the neighbourhood. So this time, along with the saffron, one-foot paper Ganpati that adorned a corner in his Vile Parle apartment, Mahajan decorated the area with flowers, lanterns, torans, diyas and 21 modaks — all made from paper.

Mahajan has always been fascinated by origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper craft; the simple folds, geometry, colour and design leave him spellbound. "There is so much that can be explored through origami. It is one of the simplest and most creative art forms, and I use the art to make my Ganpati," he says, unfolding one of the modaks to demonstrate the technique.

Once unfolded, the otherwise delicious-looking modak turns into a plain square sheet of paper. He skillfully folds the paper back — a middle fold and a triangular bent — and the white paper is once again transformed into a modak. What counts, he says, is patience and concentration.

"We took around eight days to put up this whole instalment, and even made it a point to call relatives and friends this year so that we could spread the message of an eco-friendly Ganpati," says his daughter- in-law, Bhagyashree, who has been helping him with the arrangements.

Mahajan initially had doubts as to whether people would accept and worship an abstract creation, as his Ganpati has no eyes, no outstretched hands to offer blessings. The flowers, modaks and lanterns, though there were only symbolical, and didn't actually fulfill the desired purpose that most people would expect them to. But the response was phenomenal.

And the last few days has seen a steady stream of visitors praising the whole-set up. "Even the older generation loved it," says Mahajan. For them, it is more or less a replica of the old, silent yet sacred celebrations of their time.

And on visarjan day, Mahajan and his family immersed the moorti in a tub of water. Mahajan is planning to use the pulp to make more decorative pieces.

And though this unassuming Ganpati may not boast of long serpentine queues, it imparts an important message, one of peaceful, environmentally friendly celebrations.
Says Mahajan: "It's bigger than the costly and ostentatious grandeur that overshadows the festival today."