Green Ganeshas are environmental idols

The 10-day Ganeshotsav is usually celebrated in homes and neighbourhoods in a grand manner, with little or no concern for the residual matter left in rivers and lakes following the immersion of the Ganesha idols. However, some eco-sensitive devotees have this year conceived a manner of celebration that will do no harm to the environment.

The Ganesha idols that are immersed in rivers and lakes are made mostly of Plaster of Paris, which does not dissolve in water, while the dyes and paints used on the idols release harmful substances like lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. However, the family of noted danseuse Kumudini Lakhia has been celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi for the past three years with eco-friendly Ganesha idols that are made of terracotta instead of the usual Plaster of Paris.

“We get Ganesha idols made of terracotta instead of Plaster of Paris, and paint and decorate them at home. The terracotta idols do not cause any harm to the water or the environment. We, in our small way, want to contribute towards preventing water pollution,” Maitreyi Hattangadi, Lakhia’s daughter.

Also doing their bit in this direction are Meenakumari Damre, a resident of Satellite, and Ashutosh Patil, a senior citizen residing at Bopal.

“In my constant endeavour to celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner, I have been making Ganapati idols for the Ganesh Chaturthi pooja celebrations at home, using eco-friendly material, for the past nine years,” Damre said.

Over the past few years, Damre has made Ganesha idols with jaggery and puffed rice, fruits, vegetables, papier-mâché, recycled khadi paper and wheat flour dough. “This year, I made an idol with Sal leaves and disposable plates and bowls that are commonly known as kadri no patrali,” she said.

“According to our ancient traditions, plain clay has only been used to make the Ganesha idols. However, the fact that Plaster of Paris costs less and is lighter than clay has led people to make idols out of it, even though it is insoluble in water. The paints used today are also toxic,” Patil said.

“Even though I would have to spend an extra amount, I believe in bringing home an eco-friendly idol of Ganesha so that our few days  of joy do not destroy the environment,” he said.