Ganesh Chathurthi marks the start of the Hindu festive season of the year. How about starting it on an eco-friendly note?
Ganesh idol made out of clay. Pic: ecoexist
Every year, the rivers and lakes get polluted because of the chemicals used in making Ganesha idols. In order to be sympathetic towards nature, a large number of people are moving towards eco-friendly Ganesha idols that are made of clay.
Ecoexist is a group that encourages the concept of eco-friendly products and you can book your eco-friendly, hand-sculpted clay ganesha from their website – www.e-coexist.com. The clay Ganesh idols are biodegradable. These idols are sun dried, not baked, it dissolves completely in water and can quickly enter back into the ecosystem as it does not lose its original properties.
And for those of you are enthusiastic enough make your own, there are many workshops conducted across the city. These idols can even be immersed in a bucket of water at home and used in watering the garden. It is a misconception that since they are clay idols, they would be fragile. But that is not the case.
ecofriendly paper mache Ganesha – pic: Ecoexist
“Encouraging the concept of immersing your Ganesha idols in a bucket of water at home is I think getting to be more of a necessity. I am glad that there is more awareness among people on how to make this Ganesh Chathurthi a little different and a little kinder on the environment.” says Shuba Sridhar, CEO of Culture Trails, where they encourage making their own clay Ganesha idols. Culture Trails is a learning holiday company where people are made to experience the local culture of the place.
Clay Station – where they teach pottery, and Environment Support Group (ESG), an NGO, are some of the other places that hold workshops for making Ganesha idols out of clay.
So how about making a new start of being a bit more sensitive towards the environment this Ganesh Chathurthi?
The best part is, you don’t have to shell out a lot to go green. The price of these idols start from around Rs 100 and can go up to thousands depending on the size and shape of the idols.
Ganesha idol. Pic: Wikimedia commons
You can buy your eco-friendly Ganeshas from:
Shree enterprises: #32, Sweet Homes Layout, Srinivasapura, Uttarahalli Kengeri Main Road. Ph: 9036605321
The living shop: #56, Tatana Mane compound, 3rd Main, Chamrajpet. Ph: 9241715008, 9901303390
Kham Design: #1, 1st Floor, Veena Kala Mandir, Tata Silk Farm Circle, K.R. Road. Ph: 65330339, 9901303390
A Hundred Hands: No 4 Ashley road, Behind Ajanta Hotel, Off Brunton Road, Behind MG Road. Ph: 25583292, 9845008482
Industree Crafts Pvt. Ltd: 85/3, Near Dental College, Munnekolalu, , Marathahalli. Ph: 65397964/65
HyperCity Retail India, Embassy Paragon, Grnd Floor, Near Kundalahalli Gate, ITPL Road, Near Brooke Field. Ph: 9820844576
TMAD (To Make A Difference): Kamal: 9886642073 and Pullarao: 9886734321
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