Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s most cherished festivals, is celebrated with deep devotion and vibrant joy across the country. At the heart of this celebration lies the Ganesh murti (idol), an embodiment of wisdom, prosperity, and the remover of obstacles. Traditionally, these idols have been crafted from various materials like clay, mud, plaster of Paris (PoP), thermocol, and even plastic. However, with growing awareness about environmental damage, especially due to the careless immersion of non-biodegradable idols, a collective shift toward eco-conscious celebration is finally taking shape.
A Tradition Rooted in Togetherness and Creativity
For many of us, Ganesh Chaturthi brings back fond memories of childhood, when the entire neighbourhood would gather to sculpt Ganesha idols from sand or clay found in our backyards or streets. These weren’t professionally made statues; they were symbols of joy, unity, and creativity. Children would join hands, mould the earth with care, and proudly display their handmade Ganeshas for their streets or homes.
It was through such playful acts that we learned devotion, teamwork, and love for nature. However, as adults, we often forget the simple pleasures and environmental harmony these traditions taught us. It's time we return to those values and reintroduce them into our celebrations, not just for nostalgia’s sake, but to preserve the planet we share.
Supporting Artisans & Local Economies
The Creation of Ganesh idols is not just a cultural tradition but a source of livelihood for thousands of artisans across India. Months before the festival, these skilled workers begin sculpting, painting, and decorating the idols with intricate detailing. Particularly in rural and small urban regions, this season offers a much-needed economic boost.
By choosing eco-friendly idols, be it traditional clay or newer organic forms, we directly support these small-scale vendors and craftsmen. Many artisans are now adapting to sustainable practices, creating idols with natural materials like turmeric, cow dung, and seed-infused clay that can be planted after immersion.
Environmental Challenges of Traditional Idols
Despite the cultural richness, the environmental impact of Ganesh Chaturthi cannot be ignored. Every year, thousands of idols made from PoP and thermocol are immersed in lakes, rivers, and seas. These materials don’t dissolve easily and release toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and other chemicals from synthetic paints, leading to:
- Water Pollution: Reduces oxygen levels in water bodies, harming aquatic life.
- Soil Contamination: Discarded idols left on roadsides or in landfills affect soil quality.
- Coastal Erosion: Large-scale immersions in coastal regions disrupt natural sediment layers and cause erosion.
The Rise of Organic and Plantable Ganesh Idols
The year 2025 marks a significant shift in the way Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated. Across India, there is growing adoption of organic, biodegradable, and even plantable Ganesha idols. These idols are crafted using sustainable materials like:
- Shadu clay (natural river clay)
- Turmeric and sandalwood
- Cow dung and paper pulp
- Seed-infused clay that grows into plants after immersion
These eco-friendly idols not only dissolve quickly in water without harming ecosystems but also promote the concept of Lord Ganesha becoming one with nature, reinforcing his eternal presence in our environment.
Growing Nationwide Movement
Recent reports from 2024–2025 highlight encouraging trends:
- In Mumbai, nearly 40% of households chose eco-friendly or plantable Ganeshas—leading to a significant reduction in post-immersion pollution.
- Pune Municipal Corporation distributed over 400 eco-idols and set up artificial immersion tanks to avoid polluting natural water bodies.
- In Chennai, awareness campaigns led to a 20% rise in organic idol use compared to previous years.
- Coimbatore artisans who switched to eco-idol production reported a 40% increase in income and greater year-round demand.
Municipal bodies in several states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, have now restricted or banned PoP idols, offering free Shadu clay and encouraging local eco-artisans through subsidies and marketing support.
Reimagining the Purpose of the Festival
The primary intention behind Ganesh Chaturthi has always been to honour Lord Ganesha and invite his divine presence into our homes and communities. But what if this divine presence could also serve as a reminder of our duty to nature?
By choosing reusable, plantable, or biodegradable items, we not only preserve our faith but also protect the environment that sustains us. These idols symbolize Ganesha’s presence not just in our prayers, but in every tree we grow, every river we preserve, and every ecosystem we protect. Let our devotion go beyond rituals and reflect in the conscious choices we make for the planet.
A Call for Conscious Celebration
This year, let’s rekindle the spirit of our childhood Ganesh Chaturthi, full of laughter, handmade idols, community bonding, and reverence for nature. Let’s:
- Say no to PoP and synthetic materials
- Choose handmade, organic, or plantable idols.
- Use natural, non-toxic colours and decorations
- Support local artisans and eco-entrepreneurs
- Encourage immersion in artificial ponds or plant pots
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 offers us a powerful opportunity—not just to worship Lord Ganesha but to restore harmony between tradition and nature. By embracing eco-friendly practices, we show that devotion doesn’t have to come at the cost of environmental damage.
Let’s honour our Ganesh murti in a form that reflects his true essence—as the remover of obstacles, including those that threaten our planet’s health. Because a cleaner, greener Ganesh Chaturthi is not only possible, it’s the future we must create together.