Amidst all the dhol-tasha, modaks, and celebrations, we often do not get the time to think about the core essence of this festival. Why do we celebrate Ganesh Chatuthi? What does Lord Ganesha really seeks from His devotees?
The Lord of Wisdom and Remover of Obstacles does love the festive fervor, the demonstration of faith and unshakable devotion; but he certainly does not appreciate all the noise and water pollution that follows.
So, how can you celebrate an eco-friendly Ganpati this year? From idols to Mandal decorations - go for everything that will not harm the environment in any form! Let's get into it some more!
✯ Celebrating an Eco Friendly Ganpati
You might have heard of various environmental activists urging people to bring home eco-friendly Ganesha idols made of clay. They have been requesting everyone to either make idols at home or opt for the ones made responsibly by those who have really pondered over the repercussions of celebrating a wasteful festival.
Ideally, eco-friendly Ganesha idols are made from clay, cocopeat, or other kinds of soil mixes. Additionally, they are also equipped with different kinds of seeds inside them so that once the festival ends, you can simply place your idol in your garden, water it, and grow a whole new plant.
Just like this, your Ganesha will go back to becoming a part of nature!
✯ Dattatri Kothur - The Developer of Tree Ganesha
In Mumbai, a highly creative artist developed and introduced to the world his idea of Tree Ganesha. The unique concept has gained popularity and has also been acknowledged by politicians and celebrities nation wide.
This is the concept we spoke of when we said that eco-friendly Ganesha idols can be made with soil and seeds inside!
✯ Why Eco-Friendly Ganesha is Important
A lot of the times, we take notice of a concept without actually understanding what makes it so special. But we must understand this time and ask questions as we are celebrating the God of Wisdom.
So, here are a few reasons why celebrating an eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi is important:
1. Reduction in Water Pollution
Traditional Ganesh idols made of plaster of Paris and painted with chemical dyes pollute water bodies when immersed. On the other hand, eco-friendly Ganesha idols are made from clay, natural materials, or plant seeds dissolve easily without harming aquatic life, significantly reducing water contamination.
2. Preservation of Marine Life
Toxic chemicals from non-eco-friendly idols affect marine ecosystems, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms. Celebrating with biodegradable idols ensures that marine life is protected from harmful substances.
3. Conservation of Natural Resources
Eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi promotes the use of sustainable materials such as clay, paper mache, or plant-based dyes, conserving resources like water, wood, and soil. It encourages a more responsible use of the earth's resources.
4. Reduction of Carbon Footprint
Opting for natural materials, using local resources, and minimizing artificial decorations helps reduce the carbon emissions associated with the festival. This helps in fighting climate change and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
5. Spreading Environmental Awareness
Celebrating an eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi helps create awareness about environmental conservation. It inspires communities to adopt sustainable practices, encouraging others to contribute to a cleaner and greener planet.
All in all, we strongly recommend that all of us must keep an eye on our celebratory practices this year and work toward creating a better tomorrow, by celebrating a safer today.
What steps do you need to take to celebrate an eco-friendly Ganpati? Well, celebrate the festivals cautiously, use more eco-friendly products and try not to pollute your surroundings in any possible way.
And hey, what better time to start than now? Ganpati Bappa Morya!
