5 Eco-friendly Ganesha Idols We Can Buy Online for Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi or “Vinayak Chaturthi” is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals. The festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha – the supreme God of wisdom and prosperity. The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesha clay idols privately in homes, or publicly on elaborate pandals (temporary stages) across the country. In this post, we share with you 5 eco-friendly Ganesha Idols that we can buy and celebrate the festival a little differently & sustainably.

How does Ganesha Idols damage environment ?

Presently, majority of Ganpati Idols are made from plastic, thermocol, Plaster of Paris, these are non-biodegradable naturally and so these continue to float on the water for a long time thereby choking the water bodies and adversely impacting aquatic ecosystem.

Adding to the problem, the idols are often decorated with paints heavy on lead and mercury which adds to the ongoing process of destroying the flora and fauna of the water body.

A 2010 study done by the Central Pollution Control Board of the effects on water following the festival found that there was a ten-fold increase in heavy metals, the oxygen content of water was reduced, and the acid content of water increased.

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5 Eco-friendly Ganesha Idol Options

Here’s a list of 5 Eco-friendly Ganesha Idols that you can have and promote eco-friendly ‘visarjan’.

1. Seed Ganesha Idol

The seed ganesh idols are made out of natural clay, organic fertilizer and seeds. These can also be made from paper pulp and seeds. The catch is you can place the idol in a pot with soil at the end of the festival. Water it and the idol begins to dissolve. Soon, the seeds take root in the soil. These are also called as plantable Ganesha idols.

2. Clay Ganesh Idol

Clay Ganesha idols are made of raw earth (natural mud) and plain clay which are not mixed with chemicals. It is just mud and water. These when immersed in water or let to nature, just get dissolved without releasing any toxic materials.

3. Paper Pulp Ganesh Idols

These type of Ganesh Idols are made from paper pulp. The paper pulp is made by crushing old newspapers and books into pulp. Additionally, toxic paints or any other toxic materials are not used for decorating purposes.

4. Charcoal & Clay Vinayak Idols

These Ganesha idols are made with activated charcoal and pure clay, a combination that preserves and cleans our lakes as the idol is immersed in water.

5. Home Made Ganpati – Do It Yourself

You can also get yourself some natural clay & try making your ganesha idol yourself this year. If you are confused about where to get clay, it is also available online.

Apart from Clay, you need some natural water based colors or you can also use home based natural colours like Multani Matti, Haldi, Kumkum etc.

6. DIY- Ganpati Making kits

There are also Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Ganpati Making kits available that includes natural clay, seeds and a mold. You can use these kits to have a fun activity with your kids & make your own eco-friendly ganesha idol. you can do a home visarjan in a pot half filled with soil & some water, and in few days be blessed with a baby plant.