Indian Idols - Naturally!

Celebrations of Indian festivals, like most of our customs, result in a lot of social interaction. Ganesh Chaturthi stems from a point in time, post Independence, when reformers were trying to bring about a dynamic change in societal practices. Lokmanya Tilak gathered together locals to celebrate the ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ festival as an occasion that would foster unity and community interaction.  Though this tradition of community celebrations is prevalent across India even today, it has ignored a very crucial aspect - the environment; in fact, many of our celebrations, now more commercial than social in nature, result in air, noise and water pollution.  

Take our celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. Plaster of Paris used to create the Ganpati idols does not dissolve easily in water and hence they remain undissolved long after their immersion. The toxic paints used pollute water bodies, harm marine life and eventually enter the food chain. 

It is heartening though that in the past few years, increased environmental awareness particularly among the younger generation is leading to a welcome change. Hopefully, this year the idols will make their eco-friendly presence felt in a  big way. A Sindhudurg based sculptor, Pramod Palav got few of the basic raw materials in place – a mix of clay, fig tree juice, paper and glue – to create idols that will dissolve in water in less than 15 minutes. These eco-friendly idols are certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.

According to the guidelines by the Central Pollution Control Board, idols should be made from materials like traditional clay instead of plaster of Paris or baked clay. You can also use natural colours like turmeric, geru and multani mitti. Once the idol is immersed in a bucket at home, you can use the water for your plants. The numerous flowers used for pooja can be replaced with plants, which could then be planted in your neighbourhood. The ‘nirmalya’ or offerings can be segregated so the bio-degradable component can be composted.

‘What's in our heart is what matters’, says Jeevanlal, who has switched to eco-friendly Ganesh festivities.

Perhaps this time the festival is set to bring about another social change, for the environment, for our sustainable existence.

For more details on eco-friendly idols you can look up for ‘Green Ganesha’ Times of India initiative at www.timesgreenganesha.com

“God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature” – Anne Frank