Introduction
As India prepares to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, artists from different parts of the country are embracing eco-friendly practices by crafting unique Lord Ganesha idols. These artisans are not only showcasing their artistic talents but also promoting environmental conservation by using sustainable materials in their creations. In this article, we explore the efforts of two artists and the initiative launched by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to encourage eco-friendly celebrations.
Gujarat’s Aditi Mittal: Carving Ganesha from Soap
Aditi Mittal, a talented woman artist from Surat, Gujarat, has taken a unique approach to creating Lord Ganesha idols. She has been making eco-friendly idols for the past six years but decided to incorporate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachta Abhiyan’ into her work this year. Aditi Mittal shared her inspiration, saying, “I made the idol using soap, totaling 2,655 kg of soap, and it took seven days to complete.”
Bhubaneswar’s L Eswar Rao: Miniature Art and Eco-Friendly Idols
L Eswar Rao, a miniature artist based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has a rich history of crafting intricate artworks using unconventional materials. For the last 22 years, he has been creating miniature art on pen nibs, chalk, turmeric seeds, and more. This year, he extended his artistic prowess to create eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha, along with goddesses Saraswati and Laxmi, using solid clay.
Rao’s dedication to eco-friendly art is reflected in his choice of materials and methods. He not only fashioned the idols but also built a decorative pandal using matchsticks and solid clay to house the deities. The Ganesha idol stands at 3.5 inches, while the idols of Saraswati and Laxmi are approximately 3 inches tall. The entire decorative pandal reaches a height of 9 inches from bottom to top. Rao’s work is not only a testament to his artistic skills but also a contribution to sustainable celebrations.
Delhi’s ‘Eco-Friendly Ganesha’ Initiative
In a significant move towards eco-consciousness, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, in collaboration with ‘Big Green Ganesha,’ launched ‘Eco-Friendly Ganesha’ idols in the city. The initiative aims to promote the use of sustainable materials for idol making during the festive season.
Mayor Shelly Oberoi flagged off the ‘Eco-Friendly Ganesha’ Rath from the Civic Center as part of this campaign. The initiative ensures that these environmentally friendly Ganesha idols will be readily available in all areas of the national capital, making it easier for citizens to opt for sustainable celebrations.
Conclusion
As India celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi, artists like Aditi Mittal and L Eswar Rao are championing eco-friendly practices by creating unique Lord Ganesha idols using soap and solid clay, respectively. Their commitment to sustainability is a testament to the growing awareness of environmental conservation in India’s festive traditions. Furthermore, the ‘Eco-Friendly Ganesha’ initiative in Delhi signifies a collective effort to reduce the environmental impact of celebrations and promote a greener future.
Feature Image tweeted by ANI
