[Note: I had written this article in September 19, 2007, but I am reproducing this again before Ganesh Festival, so that you will take proper precautionary measures while buy Ganesh Idols. The links in the article are not working anymore, but the information in the post is very pertinent. Please spread the word]
Ganesh Festival is really a time for festivities; it slowly starts to get Indian people into festive season mood that spans till end of Diwali. If you live in cities like Pune and Mumbai, you will know the kind of celebration that happens for 10 straight days. The streets are overflowing with people to see the beautifully decorated Ganesh Idols. The roads are closed at night, loud music and expansive lighting greets you everywhere.
At the end of 10 days, the Ganesh idol immersion is done with even bigger processions. It’s like a carnival. Dhol and Tasha sounds fill the air.
What happens next ?
Have a look…
Source: Ultrabrown
The sight of these Ganesh Idols is appalling. To be honest I could not even see the pictures, it is so awful. Seeing the Ganesh Idols lying on the shores like these, whom we worship all our lives is mind boggling. Thanks to Ultrabrown blog to bringing this pictures up.
This post is an appeal to Trakin readers to spread the awareness and importance of using Environmentally friendly Ganapati Idols. Read this…
The idols are made out of Plaster of Paris(PoP), which casts typically disintegrated water, thus making it necessary to be non-suitable for bathing, showering, or other activities involving contact with water. In addition, Plaster of Paris casts are not air permeable, and thus do not allow for the circulation of air beneath the cast which greatly facilitates the evaporation and removal of moisture trapped between cast and skin. This often leads to skin maceration, irritation, or infection.
These idols are then painted with ‘some’ dyes which contain poisonous elements like lead,mercury,carbon and cadmium.
In Mumbai alone every year 70-80 thousand Ganpati idols are immersed at about 50 different places during Ganesh Chaturthi resulting in huge amount of pollution. This polluted water is a threat not only to water creatures, but to us equally.
*** Do you know that photography is not allowed the next day at the beaches where immersion takes place? If you ask why then that’s because the beaches are full of desecrated idols, decaying flowers and dead fish the next day, and the Government tries its best to hide this from media and other activists.***
EcoGanapati is an initiative by bunch of guys from fropper. I wish them all the best in this initiative and I am sure Indian bloggers will join this cause, spread awareness and sign the petition that they have put up.
Here is the message from EcoGanapti:
Since internet is one of the greatest sources available in the modern world, it will assist us in spreading knowledge, escalating the matter and, thus, a greater and a purer revelry.
So, what we intend to do is:
- Spread knowledge
- Seek public interest
- Learn more ways and ideas of celebrating the occasion with more purity
- Share the results of this activity with the Government, the Mayors of Mumbai and Pune and the other concerned authorities.
*** I intend to take print-out of the Petition page and, personally, deliver it to the concerned ministers and the Mayors.***
Also, the matters will not end with just submitting the petition, I will keep on updating about the action being taken by the authorities in this matter and will follow up diligently.
What you can do is:
- Participate
- Spread knowledge
- Learn more ways and ideas of celebrating the occasion with more purity.
Please also check Relevant Links page to read more about this and to learn how to make eco-friendly Ganesha idols at home.
So, please do sign the petition and leave your comments. The onus lies on us to make a difference with whatever resources we have. For suggestions, or if you are interested in joining this awareness campaign, please leave me a mail at ecoganpati@gmail.com.
Again, sign the petition and help the cause.