Let's celebrate an Eco-friendly Ganesh Chathurthi

Celebrating festivals is important. But celebrating festivals without doing any harm to the environment is more important.


Harmful

Even though our rivers are dry, we are polluting the remaining water bodies by immersing statue of Vinayakar. It is harmful. We should not pollute the environment which God created so beautifully.


Harmful chemicals

Usually, the Ganesha idols and statues are made of clay, which is easily soluble in water. But now, chemicals like plaster of paris, paints are used in making these idols, which is insoluble in water and pollutes the water bodies when immersed. The celebrations can be made eco-friendly by using water-soluble substances for making idol.


Suicidal

In the name of invoking the Almighty, we are unknowingly making the lovely environment an unfit place to live. Our acts are suicidal. We can not afford to pollute our water bodies by immersing hundreds of idols in the water. We need a revolutionary idea to bail us out of this situation. Its' better to prepare and prevent, than to repair and repent.


Haunting

The pollution caused after idol immersion is a haunting matter. The advent of Eco Friendly Ganesh idols may help us to celebrate the festival in full glory. We all should ensure a pollution free celebration.


Pompous

The ultimate aim of all religions is to enlighten people. Pompous display of idols and slogan shouting are part of demonstrative religious practice these days. However, these sentiments can still be tolerated provided the processions are noise, air and water pollution free, trouble free and also eco friendly. Till people understand the real spirit of religion which is inward journey or introspection, there is bound to be a lot of trial and error.


Emotional control

The Vinayaka Chathurti celebrations should not be considered a kind of merry

pastime which makes a dent in other religious beliefs. Mass celebrations should be kept under control emotionally.

Hazardous

Vinayaka Chathurti is one of the traditional religious rituals celebrated in Tamil Nadu in a grand manner. In earlier days, the Vinayaka idols were made of clay and easily dissolved in water. But now various chemicals are used in making them which are hazardous for the environment. People involved in making the Vinayaka idols must preserve nature and should make eco-friendly statues.

Respectfully

Each religious celebration has its own importance, if it is performed with respect and divinity. Vinayaka Chathurti can be celebrated without any feeling of disparity or discrimination without harming and hurting anyone and most importantly safeguarding the environment.


Repurcusions

It is our responsibility to keep our environment clean. During Vinayaka Chathurthi celebrations, we should take care not to pollute the water bodies. Hydrological ecosystem gets badly affected because these days lot of artificial colours and chemicals are being used in idol making. Immersing such harmful idols in rivers will have serious repurcussion later.


No interference

Motive of any festival is to spread a sense of happiness. We should enjoy festivals whole heartedly without interfering with the aquatic ecosystem. Though many rules and restrictions are there, there are flagrant violations too spoiling the environment.


Safe play

Celebrations are joyous occasions but this should be celebrated without

causing harm to the environment. Our environment is already polluted in many ways. Why should we cause further damage to it by immersing idols in lakes and rivers. Without this ritual too, the festival can be celebrated without losing its charm.


Natural dyes

Traditionally idols were made with clay, sandal, etc. But now to make idols more attractive, chemicals are used which are detrimental for the nature. Instead of chemicals, we can use fruits and vegetable mixture for painting the idols and making them eco-friendly.


Peaceful

"Our goal must be not peace in our time but peace for all time". Celebrating functions gives us peace of mind. But care should be taken that this does not spoil our environment. The statues of lord Vinayaga can be made with non-plastic items which dissolve easily in water and prevent pollution. We should all vow to celebrate vinayagar chaturthi in an eco friendly manner.


Awareness

Celebration is meant for happiness. But nowadays it affects the ecosystem. Ganesa idols painted with poisonous chemicals are immersed in rivers, lakes or seas. Rather, they should be disposed in a safe manner in order to avoid water pollution. People should be aware of eco friendly celebrations.


Keep city clean

Dissolving Vinayaka statues, that are made of plaster of paris and other chemical colouring agents in seas, rivers and other water bodies change the chemical composition of water. People should beware of those sellers and should buy only the eco-friendly statues that are made of clay. Throwing plantain leaves and waste food materials after pooja into the dustbin will make the city clean.


Break from monotony

Festivals and celebrations are a relief for the people from routine life. Vinayakar chathurthi is one such occasion. Making a huge colourful vinayakar statue with chemicals and dissolving them in the water surely pollutes. People should refrain from such environment-unfriendly acts.


Sacrifice

The Ganesha idols are made these in uncouth sizes and shapes are made out of papier mache and plaster of Paris. The number of Pillayars for public display and processions are increasing in number with each passing year. Immersing the idols in water pollutes the environment. We are sacrificing the serene atmosphere of religiosity.

Small and silent

Though it is one of the famous traditional festivals of the country, Vinayaka idols should be made small and taken through the streets silently, without disturbing the public. We should make our offerings to God with a pure heart and not by polluting the atmosphere.


Be traditional

Keeping the environment safe and clean is equivalent to offering prayers to the God. While celebrating Vinayakar Chathurti we should follow traditional methods like making

the idol with clay, worshipping with grass, making and offering sweets and sundal. Taking a procession of Vinayakar idols is not an ideal way of celebration. It affects public life.