Idols made up of cow dung is the attraction this Ganesh fest

Every year, devotees come up with unique ideas to celebrate Ganesh festival in an eco-friendly way. This year, Kandivli-based non-profit organisation, Surabhi Kutir Udyog Foundation, along with some college students, are promoting eco-friendly idols made up of cow dung and sand.

The organisation has been helping herdsmen earn money from a variety of products made up of cow dung. Speaking about the three-month-old initiative, managing director of the foundation, Rishi Jay Prakash, said: "The initiative is helping conserve indigenous cows. This will help farmers to sustain non-milking or old cows. The advantage of immersing idols made up of cow dung is that they will purify the environment and also settles down heavy metals like lead and mercury. We did a lot of research before coming up with the initiative."

The size of the idols range from 3 inches to 3 feet. The artist takes 21 days to complete and give the final touches to the idols. Over 10 groups of artists make the idols in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Students from the KPB Hinduja College are promoting the project as part of a social initiative for their college fest, Panaah.

Speaking about how are they promoting the initiative, Anas Patanwala, president of the college fest, said: "The idol dissolves in 15 minutes and it scientifically purifies water. People are not that supportive about the eco-friendly aspect but we need to create better awareness. We have been going to different colleges to promote the cause and distributing pamphlets in public places. Over 150 orders have been placed during the awareness drive."

Part of the money collected from selling the idols will be distributed among artists who make the idols and some to encourage underprivileged children to study.

"Profits from the initiative will help the farmers, who contribute cow dung, and the artists. Some portion of the money will be distributed for the CSR initiative for promoting education among the less privileged children."

To book the Ganesh idols made out of cow dung, write to skufoundation@gmail.com

dna Eco Ganesha is celebrating its seventh year. We invite entries from societies and households which are celebrating a complete eco-friendly Ganesha this year, with eco-friendly idols. Please send photographs and a brief write-up with contact details to ecoganesha@dnaindia.net