Get your eco groove on for Ganesh Chaturthi

Get your eco groove on for Ganesh Chaturthi
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Highlights

In the wake of increased pollution of Hussainsagar Lake caused due to the dumping of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris and coloured with harmful chemicals, ‘eco-friendly’ idols made from clay have been gaining popularity over the past few years.

In the wake of increased pollution of Hussainsagar Lake caused due to the dumping of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris and coloured with harmful chemicals, ‘eco-friendly’ idols made from clay have been gaining popularity over the past few years.

Many organisations and individuals have come up with workshops for propogating the benefits of such idols towards reducing waste near water bodies. These workshops will begin on September 14 at Lumbini Park, Sanjeevaiah Park, NTR Gardens and KBR Park.

Speaking to the CityTAB Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) employee Padma says, “Various institutions are enthusiastic to participate in the workshop of making eco friendly idols. This time the height of the idols ranges from 1 ft to 6 ft and the amount cost from Rs 30,000 onwards.”

Another open event is being organised by Our Sacred Space Lumbini (OSSL), Secunderabad, on September 13. OSSL member Sheela said, “People irrespective of age can join the event directly. The workshop is led by artist, Arun Jyothi Lokhanday. The entry fee for a person including materials is Rs 400.”

Though the eco-friendly idols take time to dry; they dissolve easily in water without releasing any toxic materials. Ganesh Chavathi or Ganesh Chathurthi is a festival of peace, prosperity, wisdom and removing of obstacles. The ten-day occasion will begin from September 17.

Workshop for kids

In line with workshops organised to popularise the benefits of Ganesh idols made of clay, the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (PCB) and Telangana State National Green Corps (NGC) conducted the ‘Clay Ganesh Idol Making’ workshop at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Amberpet.

Children observed the live demonstration of manufacture of clay idols and received decorations ideas like using small pebbles, beads and pulses. At the end of the workshop, they took the clay home to reconstruct the Ganesh idols and worship the same.

TS NGC project officer T Radhika explained the making of the idols and taught the importance of 21 varieties of leaves and their medicinal value for the puja. Explaining the significance of the eco-friendly idols, she said, “The immersion of idols made of plaster of paris and other harmful substances not only leads to water pollution, but is disastrous for the ecosystem.”

By:Sindhura Dharmasanam (With inputs fromCH Saibaba)

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