Festivals are a part of our country’s culture and the Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most popular festivals of India, is definitely no exception. The festival is celebrated to remember the birth of Lord Ganesha, a god with a human body and an elephant-like head. He is also called ‘Vighnaharta’. This 10-day-long festival will start on September 6 and will last until September 17.
Even though Ganesh Chaturthi is an auspicious occasion to get spiritual blessing, on the same side, If not celebrated in a sustainable way, it impacts the environment severely. Such customs as the submerging of idols in water sources have been associated with water pollution. Most idols are prepared using non-degradable materials like Plaster of Paris (PoP) and painted with synthetic paints consisting of hazardous items such as lead and mercury. These idols when drowned in rivers, lakes, or oceans spill out these toxins into the water affecting the life of the water and the water itself becomes unfit for use.
In addition to water pollution, the festival often generates a large amount of solid waste. Artificial decorations, flowers, plastic items, and other non-biodegradable materials used during the festivities are frequently discarded irresponsibly sometimes, leading to littering and adding to the already significant problem of waste management in urban areas.
Moving Towards a Sustainable Ganesh Chaturthi
To celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in a way that honors both tradition and the environment, it is crucial to adopt more sustainable practices. Here are some to help reduce waste and pollution during the festival.
Choose Eco-Friendly Idol
Choose idols from natural clay or degradable material so that it should not harm the environment when disposed of. These idols are very soluble in water and therefore cause very minimal problems to the environment. Most of the artists who make the idols nowadays, also make use of reusable material, and some artists place seeds inside the idols so that after the festivities are over (Visarjan), they can grow trees naturally.
One of the most environmentally friendly ways of doing this is to make an edible Ganesha idol by carving vegetables or better still, chocolate. For the Visarjan, it is possible to immerse the chocolate idol in milk to melt it and then prepare some sweets which can be distributed among the poor or needy. Likewise, if it is vegetables then the idol can be taken in water for Visarjan, and later vegetables can be fed to the needy.
Use Natural Colors for Decoration
Instead of synthetic paints, use natural colors made from turmeric, sandalwood, and other organic materials for decorating idols and pandals (temporary stages). These are not only safe for the environment but also for the people handling them.
Minimize Plastic Use
Avoid using plastic decorations, bags, and other disposable items. Instead, opt for reusable or biodegradable alternatives such as cloth, paper, or bamboo. Decorations made from natural materials like flowers, leaves, and jute can be composted after use.
Promote Awareness
Spread the message of eco-friendly celebrations within your community. Organize workshops, discussions, or social media campaigns to educate others about the importance of sustainable practices during Ganesh Chaturthi.
By making small changes, we can ensure that our celebrations are not only meaningful but also environmentally responsible. By choosing eco-friendly idols, using natural materials, reducing waste, and managing immersion rituals thoughtfully, we can protect our environment while honoring Lord Ganesha. Let this Ganesh Chaturthi be a celebration of both our rich traditions and our commitment to a sustainable future.
