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Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant and significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in India and by Hindus worldwide. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Traditionally, the festival involves grand processions, elaborate decorations, and the immersion of Ganesha idols in water bodies. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the environmental impact of these celebrations. To celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way, here are ten eco-conscious practices you can adopt:
ECO-FRIENDLY GANESH IDOLS
Please opt for eco-friendly Ganesh idols made from clay or natural materials instead of plaster of Paris (PoP) or plastic. These eco-friendly idols are biodegradable and do not harm aquatic ecosystems when immersed.
MY ECO GANESHA - https://myecoganesh.com/eco-friendly-ganesha-idol-supplier/
TREE GANESHA - https://www.treeganesha.com/
MORYA BAPPA - https://moryabappa.com/
NATURAL COLORING
Use natural, plant-based colors to decorate the idol. Avoid chemical-based synthetic colors that can pollute water bodies.
MY ECO GANESHA -https://myecoganesh.com/eco-friendly-ganesha-idol-supplier/
Types of ganesha idols we manufacture
· Clay ganesha made of shadu mitti
· Plant ganesha made of red soil
· Haldi ganesha made of shadu and multani mitti
TREE GANESHA - https://www.treeganesha.com/
· Seed Ganesha
LOCAL ARTISANS
Support local artisans by purchasing handmade idols and decorations, promoting traditional craftsmanship, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with mass production.
DESI BANDHU AMBEWALE - https://desaibandhuambewale.com/ganesh-murti
LORD GANESHA OFFERINGS
Limit your offering of Prasad and flower garlands to Lord Ganesha. Dr Niraalee Shah says "Always visit any Ganesha Pandal in a group and offer 1 garland and 1 box of mithai to Lord Ganesha" This shall reduce the minimize waste and protect the planet.
SAY NO SINGLE USED PLASTIC BOTTLES
When visiting Ganesh Pandals for darshan Dr Niraalee Shah recommends "Carry your own water bottles with you" Do not buy single used plastic bottles from stores nearby as this results in a lot of waste which ends up in the landfills and adds to the environment.
REUSE AND RECYCLE
Rather than buying new decorations every year, reuse and recycle materials from previous celebrations. Get creative with DIY decorations using household items.
BIODEGRADABLE OFFERINGS
Offer biodegradable items like fruits, flowers, and coconut shells instead of non-biodegradable materials like plastic and Styrofoam. Offer Lord Ganesha prasad and flower garlands in biodegradable bags or boxes.
ECO-CONSCIOUS VISARJAN (IMMERSION)
Dr Niraalee Shah recommends “Opt for an eco-friendly immersion of the idol in a large bucket or tub of water at home instead of immersing it in a river or lake.” Use the clay and water mixture as a natural fertilizer.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS
Organize or participate in awareness campaigns about the importance of eco-friendly celebrations, educating others about the harmful effects of PoP idols and chemical pollution, single used plastic bottles thrown on the floor outside the Ganesha Pandals, over wastage of prasad and flower garlands offered to Lord Ganesha by devotees, and sea pollution during Visarjan.
GREEN GANESH PANDALS
Encourage pandal organizers to use eco-friendly materials for decorations and lighting. Solar-powered lights or energy-efficient LEDs can be used instead of traditional lights.
CONCLUSION
Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi sustainably is a way to show our love and respect for Lord Ganesha while also honouring the environment. By adopting eco-friendly practices like using clay idols, natural colours, and minimizing waste, we can ensure that this cherished festival continues to bring joy and prosperity to our lives without harming the planet. It's a small step towards a greener, more sustainable future that we can all contribute to.