Potters to present green Ganesha idols in Mumbai

In an effort to conserve the environment and promote traditional art forms, several potters from across the country will be creating awareness amongst Mumbaikars about eco-friendly Ganesh idols made by using clay and soil from lakes and rivers in the city.

“We are trying to create awareness amongst devotees that there are eco-friendly options available,” says BR Pandit, a potter who will be using clay from the Mithi river and Powai lake for making idols.

He adds that the ancient tradition of idol-making has seen several transformations over the years. “Earlier, a mound of ‘geroo’ or ‘multani mitti’ took the form of Ganeshji and was painted over with turmeric and other natural colours,” adds Pandit.

These days, clay has been replaced by plaster of Paris and the natural hues by chemical paints, both of which are hazardous to the environment. “We are trying to revive the traditional customs and art forms and hope to change mindsets,” says Sandeep Manchekar, another potter, who will be participating in a pottery festival on July 30, hosted by Rodas Ecotel in Powai.

The event is being organised by The Young Environmentalists Trust, an NGO that promotes environmental awareness and conservation. “Citizens can learn how to sculpt an idol made out of pure clay,” says founder Elsie Gabriel. She says that while a lot of Mumbaikars are interested in greener options, they just don’t know where to buy them.

“We also encourage citizens to use eco-friendly decorations and recycle the puja flowers,” says Punish Sharma, assistant general manager of the ecotel. Every year after the Ganesh immersion, volunteers of the NGO collect and compost the flowers adorning the idols at Rodas’ vermicomposting site.