800-kg eco-friendly Ganesha

As the entire nation celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi, preparations are in full swing for the celebration of the festival in the district as well. Not only various organisations and youth associations, but the general public have also been consecrating and worshiping Ganesh idols in their homes.

The Ganesha idol to be worshiped on the premises of the Bolarameshwara temple in town is different from others. The Sri Ganapathy Seva Samiti has consecrated an eco-friendly Ganesha this year, said Hitarakshana and Samskruthika Sangha, Rameshwar President M Diwakar. Ornaments, such as Nagabharana, ivory, ears and crown, made out of silver, are ready to adore the Ganesha idol, which weighs 800 kg. Sculptor Ekataram said that the idol is completely made out of clay and is eco-friendly.

Eco-friendly Ganesha idols can also be witnessed on the outskirts of the city. Sculptor Navin Acharya said that 200 Ganesha idols have been prepared in a period of five months by four sculptors. “As many as 180 Ganesha idols have been sold out. The Ganesha idols prepared here travel to Hosamane, Rampura, Gavanahalli and also city areas. This brings a pretty good income,” he said.

“For the pandal in Rampur, a 5.7-foot Ganesha idol has been prepared this time. A peacock rests in one thigh of the Ganesha and Subrahmanya on the other. This time, there is a good demand for Ganesha idols, compared to last year,” he said.

The average rainfall has been less this year in the state and hence, the water levels in the natural sources are depleting. The district administration has issued guidelines prohibiting the preparation of Ganesha idols using chemical substances. The chemical Ganesha idols immersed in water will cause harm to water eco system, the guidelines said.