Many avatars of green Ganpatis this season

Say hello to the new age Ganesha, one that connects with his devotees via his laptop while his sevak (the mouse) uses a mobile phone. Surprised? Don’t be. Today’s Ganesha is tech-savvy, can play different musical instruments and also cares about the environment.

And paying tribute to him is Nirmitee Art gallery that has organised a month-long exhibition of eco-friendly Ganesh idols called Vakratund Mela 2010. “What better way to give back to the environment than by using God’s name?” says Surendra Khajanchi, founder, Nirmitee.

“We want people to start using eco-friendly Ganeshas and try and reduce the impact the usual PoP ones have on the environment,” says Mita Punamiya, art director, Nirmitee.

Everything — wall hangings, bookmarks, showpieces, coasters — is handmade and has been sourced from artisans from across India. The theme of this year’s exhibition is Ashtavinayak (eight Ganeshas), a version on which most of the pieces are modelled.

The pieces are made with fibre, papier mache, dried vegetables like mushroom, bottle gourd and clay. There is also a section displaying idols made of brass and ceramic.

The exhibition is on till September 12 at the Nirmitee Art Gallery, Dadar. Call: 2422 9139, 2422 3655