Eco-Friendly ganesh Chaturdhi

Let us celebrate ECO-FRIENDLY GANESH CHATURDHI ! Ganesh Chaturdhi is one of the most famous festivals of India and is widely practised throughout the country. The custom of immersing the Lord Ganesh’s idol, after a certain period of worship is coming from several decades. However, the use of Plaster of Paris ( POP ) in making the idols is posing a severe threat to the water bodies. The Ganesh idols made up of Plaster of Paris pollute the water when they are immersed. The chemical paints present on such idols further add more to water pollution and threat to acquatic life. • Plaster of Paris (POP) is not a naturally occurring material and contains gypsum, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium. The idols take several months to dissolve in water and in the process poison the waters of lake, ponds, rives and seas. • The chemical paints used to decorate the Ganesh idol contain mercury, lead, cadmium and carbon and this increases the acidity and heavy metal content in the water. • Several accessories used during the Ganesh Puja like Thermocole, plastic flowers, cloth, incense, camphor and numerous other materials are dumped carelessly adding more strain to the already polluted rivers and lakes. • Careless dumping of Ganesh idols in waterbodies blocks the natural flow of water. This results in stagnation and breeding of mosquitoes and other harmful pests. • The polluted water causes several diseases including skin diseases. • The pollution from Ganesh Chaturthi idols also damages the ecosystem, kills fishes and water plants. • In many areas, the same polluted water gets pumped into homes. Alternatives • Use eco-friendly clay idols colorless or painted with natural colors. • Avoid using plastic covers, thermocols and other unnecessary stuff for decoration. • Avoid public waterbodies to immerse small idols, instead immerse idol in bucket or tub at home. • The left over clay and the water can be later used in the garden. Let us see that our Worship doesn’t become a blind reason for environmental pollution. Practise eco-friendly procedures in your daily life. Help save the planet Earth ! Our Devotion is not measured by the size or color of the idol, but from the sincere faith we have within our Hearts ! So, Friends ! Do not involve in the purchase of Idols made of Plaster of Paris [POP]. Instead buy a clay idol without color or with natural colors. You are not only worshipping God properly by doing this, but also helping the people around You and preserving the Nature ! ====================================================== Wish you all a Happy Ganesh Chaturdhi . . .