Ganesha is honoured at the festival as the Lord of New Beginnings, the Remover of Obstacles, as well as the God of Intelligence and Wisdom. In India, notably in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Goa, it is observed. Ganesh Chaturthi is also commonly celebrated in countries like Nepal, also by the Hindu diaspora in various countries, including Mauritius, Fiji, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Guyana, Suriname, Caribbean countries, the United States of America and Europe. Ganesh Chaturthi occurs annually between August and September, according to the Gregorian calendar. Ganesh Chaturthi was first celebrated in Pune in 1893 by Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Lokmanya Tilak), however, it is unknown when or where this originally occurred. Along with reading aloud from literature and communal feasting, sports and martial arts contests are also staged in public places.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a holiday we observe to remember Ganesh’s birth. It is an occasion to celebrate happiness, prosperity, and hope. This is one of the most well-known Hindu holidays. Devotees bring the Lord Ganesh image home and adore it all for ten days. Ganesha idols come in a broad variety, but most of them are made of non-biodegradable materials, even though they are widely available in the market. The ecology is harmed by materials used to make idols, like “plaster of Paris” and comparable hazardous paints. Ganesha idol pollution not only affects fish and aquatic plants but also damages the ecosystem.
Importance of Ganesh Chaturthi
It is said that individuals who pray to Ganesh can fulfil their ambitions and aims. Ganesh Chaturthi’s central message is that people who worship him are absolved of all sins and led toward a life of wisdom and understanding. The occasion has been remembered historically ever since King Shivaji’s reign. During India’s freedom struggle, Lokmanya Tilak changed Ganesh Chaturthi out of a private festival to something like a significant public holiday wherein people from all social castes could gather, pray, and spend time together. Individuals have begun observing Ganesh Chaturthi in a sustainable manner over the years as environmental consciousness has grown. This involves purchasing Ganesh idols made of eco-friendly materials and decorating the pandals only with flowers and natural materials.
Why Eco-friendly Ganesh Idols?
The bulk of Ganpati idols currently in use are made of plastic, thermocol, or “plaster of Paris”, none of which decompose naturally. As a result, they jam up water bodies and have a net negative influence on aquatic ecosystems by floating on the body of water for an extended time. The idols’ frequent use of paints high in lead and mercury, which contributes to the continual destruction of the water body’s flora and fauna, only makes the issue worse. According to Central Pollution Control Board research from 2010, there was a 10-fold increase in heavy metals, a decrease in oxygen content, and an increase in acid content in the water because of the festival. Let’s make a commitment to celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi sustainably this year.
Let’s look into some “eco-friendly Ganesha idols” options to use during the holiday.
Chocolate Ganesh
Chocolate Ganesh is exactly what its name says—made it’s of chocolate. It is coloured with food pigments and does not include any extra preservatives. The method we use to bury the Ganesh statue is its most striking feature. The Ganesha figure is normally submerged in water, but a chocolate version can be put in a milk bottle instead. Once the idol gets dissolved in the milk, serve the milkshake to your family as a form of Prasadam. It’s a specific, environmentally sustainable, and delectable way to observe the holiday.
Plant Based Ganesh
After you have revered your Ganesha idol, planting it is the best thing you can do. Clay, cow manure, vermicompost, as well as other organic fertilisers are used to make these idols. Holy basil (tulsi), tomato, and ladyfingers are just a few of the quickly proliferating plants that are represented in the statue’s abundance of seeds. The plantable trees Ganesha idol can be placed in a container with soil rather than being immersed in water. Slowly pour water on it, and the idol will begin to disintegrate. Soon after that, the seeds in the ground will begin to sprout. Your Ganesha will transform into beautiful plants in a few days. God will provide you seasonal produce through this and reside eternally in your house.
Newspaper Ganesh
You may create a unique and creative Ganesha idol with your old newspapers. Start by briefly soaking a selection of newspaper cuttings in a dish of water. The cut can be used to build different elements of the idol once they are completely wet. Now put a little water in a bowl with little all-purpose flour. It takes some time to whisk this combination in order to get a smooth liquid. The Ganesha idol may then be painted in different colours after using this mixture to join the components together.
Clay Ganesh
Earth-friendly Clay Ganesha idols are entirely chemical-free and biodegradable. The clay for use in their construction aids in the filtration of lakes and seas when submerged in water. To construct this, all you need is mud and water. Separate the model clay into pieces that represent the various portions of Ganesha’s body. Your design should be used to mould the clay. Once the idol is complete, use a needle to outline its features before colouring it in with your choice of acrylic hues. It is an easy decision that respects the environment.
Rice Flour Ganesh
Utilize rice flour and a few vivid spices to create a creative Ganpati murti statue that is environmentally friendly. water and oil are boiled together and this mixture should be added to the rice flour and well-mixed. Then cover for ten minutes. The dough should be rolled into a ball, divided into different body parts, and assembled. To enhance eyes, clothing, and accessories, use spices like cardamom, pepper, chilli flakes, etc. The idol can be made more appealing by using more turmeric.
Coconut Ganesh
An eco-friendly Ganesh idol was recently created using 17,000 coconuts as part of the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, drawing attention from Hyderabad residents, and serving as an inspiration for many others to follow suit. If you want to take advantage of this option but prefer a smaller version, start with the essentials, and get some coconuts that can be creatively carved into a magnificent Ganesha idol, such as the one in Hyderabad.
Turmeric Ganesh
Water and “all-purpose” flour should be slowly mixed over low to medium heat to create a paste. The flour paste should cool when the flame has been put out. Make a dough by combining it with the turmeric powder once it has cooled. Make the dough into various body sections, starting with the lower body. Create intricate paper designs for the ornaments you make for the idol.
There are many types of Ganesh idols in the eco-friendly space nowadays. And the more options, the more places where you can buy them. They are available online on many retailers’ websites nowadays and these manufacturers are mainly based in Mumbai as Ganesh Chaturthi is the most celebrated festival in the city. Also in other places, you can find local retailers selling them in the market during major festivities. The price of eco-friendly Ganesh idols starts from 1000 INR and can go up to 15000 INR for a basic-size model. Based on the size, the prices rise proportionately.
Ganesh Chaturthi, an Indian holiday honouring Lord Ganesh, has become more environmentally friendly these days. Typically, after Ganesh Chaturthi, “plaster-of-Paris”-made Ganesh murtis are submerged in water, harming the water bodies. During Ganesh Chaturthi, many individuals are engaging in eco-friendly Ganesh idol worship. Eco-friendly, Natural colours and organic soil/mud are used to create Ganesh Murtis. By acting as responsible citizens, we can improve the environment. Because it is made of toxins and dangerous colours, “plaster of Paris” isn’t biodegradable and badly pollutes aquatic life. We should work together, and everyone does their part to protect and preserve the environment by choosing eco-friendly products.
FAQs: Ganesh Idols
Q. What is the importance of Ganesha statues in your home?
Ans. Worshipping Ganesh helps by routinely warding off negativity from one’s life and house, Lord Ganesha keeps difficulties out of one’s way. He is also worshipped before beginning anything new. Lord Ganesha bestows success, wealth, and luck upon those who please him.
Q. Which Ganesha idol is best for your home?
Ans. There are many options when it comes to Ganesh idols for your home. Depending on the usage or purpose, there are options in Silver Ganesha, Turmeric Ganesh, Wood Ganesh, Brass Ganesh, Copper Ganesh, Crystal Ganesh, Fruits Ganesh, and so on.
Q. Is it okay to keep the Ganesh idol in the bedroom?
Ans. It is not recommended to keep idols in bedrooms. Keep it moving toward the northeast if you decide to. Moreover, feet must not be towards the idol according to Vastu.
Q. Can we give Ganesha as a gift?
Ans. Yes, since an idol is Ganesh is considered to be meaningful therefore it can be also gifted with many options.