Bring home eco-friendly Ganesha idol

Taking home an eco-friendly Ganesha idol could give one a sense of pride. This could come with the joy of making it yourself.

Those interested can make their own Ganeshas and take them home, at Malleswaram. The workshops are being held at three places at Malleswaram 18th cross - The Malleswaram Government College Playgrounds, Vivekananda College Ground, Subramanyanagar and Sankey Tank premises, Sadashivanagar.

Residents and schoolchildren can make their own Ganesha idols under expert guidance. In an attempt to promote Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, the initiative is funded by the Malleswaram Assembly constituency MLA, Dr C N Ashwathnarayan.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Dr Ashwathnarayan said the “Do it yourself” initiative was taken up to encourage people to buy eco-friendly idols. “Even after conducting several awareness programmes on the harmful effects of Plaster of Paris idols, it was found that many people were taking home such idols. If citizens are given an option of making their own eco-friendly clay idols, then they will take those idols home and pray. This is how the idea originated,” he added.

He said volunteers are also visiting several schools in Malleswaram constituency to create awareness on the need to buy eco-friendly Ganesha idols.

“Powerpoint presentations are being made to educate the students on the ill-effects of painted idols that contain heavy amount of lead.”

“The eco-friendly Ganeshas are priced high. The idea is to make these idols affordable for customers,” Dr Ashwathnarayan said.

Residents who make the idols can take them home free of cost.

They would also be provided with material required for the making of idols.