It’s that time of the year again in Mumbai where Ganpati idol makers are at their busiest catering to customers, who are looking to pick up the most decorative idols to adorn their homes, during the upcoming 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival (that begins 31st August). We’ve all grown accustomed to the sight of these festivities, but right before them comes the all-important question—what idol does one choose? Is going down the eco-friendly route better, or should one choose the alluring murti (idols) made of plaster of paris (POP) instead? Is there a perfect answer? Could Bappa, the all-knowing, guide us? One can only hope. 

Harper’s Bazaar India spoke to idol makers whose art will be immersed in homes, artificial ponds, and the Arabian Sea in the next few days. Here's what we found... 

The seed of thought

Sanjay Wagh and Kunal, owners of Mumbai-based brand, My Green Ganesha, are one of the many eco-friendly idol makers who make sure that the deity, and the energy he brings, stays on after the festivities. They do so by adding seeds (tomato, basil, tulsi, and neem) in the idols and present them with a pot and fertilizer, so all one has to do is plant the idol into the pot and let the blessings flourish into plants. “The reason many people choose eco-friendly idols is that they consider the mitti (mud) it is made from to be a prasad (offering) for Ganpati. We, as a country, have always been focused on nature. And it’s great to see people coming back to their roots, in the most literal sense,” says Wagh. 

It might not be the seeds, but Prashant, from My Eco Ganesha, through an informative website— consisting of a map of artificial tanks, facts, and figures, has ensured that his customers and devotees are convinced about going down the eco-friendly route. “Switching to eco-friendly idols always gives you a sense of purpose. The inclination amongst people is solid. They’re doing their bit for the environment. We hope that feeling continues,” says Prashant, whose company makes clay, red soil, and paper mache idols. 

 

Going eco comes at a cost

Delivering eco-friendly Ganesha idols is the biggest challenge for Harsha Bobade’s O-My-Ganesha. Pune-based, she’s one of the few sellers who delivers idols to foreign shores. With a growing client base spread across the far East, Europe, and North America, Harsha knows the risks that come with shipping. “We (the sellers) are responsible if anything breaks. There is no insurance involved, and it is a fragile item. I have to inform the customer of the risk since their investment is large. I also make sure to give a six-inch idol along with their original purchase to make sure that even if something happens to the bigger idol, their celebrations don’t stop. I know how tough it is for people abroad to get what we make. They want Bappa to be there, I just make it possible.”

It’s always the purpose that drives people such as Mana Shah, the director and founder of Green Practices Private Limited, to make a difference. “You see the effects (of POP) the next day on the beach. It’s not a pretty picture. My point is, if you are adorning Lord Ganesha, how can you disrespect his mother—Earth. She’s fed up and is now fighting back. Devotion cannot be de-linked from the environment.” 

Why go for plaster of paris in the first place?

Take a stroll down the roads of Lalbaug, an area in Central Mumbai, home to inarguably the most-popular Ganesha idol of the city, Lalbaugcha Raja, and you’ll understand the fervor amongst devotees for idols made out of POP. Excitement to see the city’s favourite God is palpable as many gather outside the workshops in the area just to catch a glimpse of the workers polishing and painting countless idols of the deity. Lord Ganesha is one that everyone looks up to and the size of these idols proves it. Yash Arte, from Yash Arts, one of the many shops selling POP idols in Lalbaug, knows the mindset of these people. “POP is popular for a host of reasons. Firstly, the price—a version of the same size will always be cheaper and lighter than an eco-friendly one. Secondly, it is durable and convenient to carry. Then comes the shine, detail, and décor. You want to spend less, but at the same time show people that Lord Ganesha has come to your home. People say it’s a problem. But just take a look at the sewage and plastic that’s left untreated in the sea. At least POP dissolves after a few days.”

 

A small step in the right direction

According to Anand Pendharkar—wildlife biologist, conservationist, ecologist and CEO, SPROUTS— who has been making eco-friendly Ganesha idols for the past 22 years, the solution is pretty simple. “We can take inspiration from what is happening outside Mumbai, for example in Karnataka and Pune. You keep the big idols that are made from plaster of paris. Bring them out in all their glory. Just don’t immerse them. Instead, take a small idol in the sea that’s eco friendly. Start buying idols so small that an immersion at home solves everything. Going small is good for the environment. These idols every year can be repaired, re-polished, brought back and kept. Or even better, make them out of paper mache.” When asked about it only being a 10-day-affair, Pendharkar makes a telling statement, “If ‘A’ activity is wrong, we cannot justify it by saying that “B” is also wrong. The problem isn’t just the material used in making them, but also the lead, zinc, and mercury (heavy metals) that the paints used for the idols have. And I’m also talking about the roads that are going to be shut, that will add to the chaos due to the already existing construction work in the city as well as the increase in noise pollution. The money saved there can be used for social good, education, and to make a difference.”

Lord Ganesha is considered the god of wisdom and knowledge. He would certainly wish for his ardent devotees to show the same as they celebrate the festivities over the next two weeks. After all, he’s always watching! 

 

Lead image: Getty