Green Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: 6 easy ways to honour tradition and create your own eco-friendly Ganesha idol

How to make Ganesha idol for Ganesh Chaturthi: Using clay is one of the most traditional and eco-friendly ways to craft your Ganesh idol. Natural clay is biodegradable and dissolves completely in water (Image: Canva)

There’s an interesting tale about the birth of Lord Ganesha. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati, the mother of Lord Ganesha, took turmeric paste from her body, shaped it into an idol, and breathed life into it. Thus, she created Ganesha, declaring him to be her own loyal son.

Inspired by the story of Ganesha’s creation from eco-friendly materials, why not embrace the same mantra this Ganesh Chaturthi? Consider making your own Ganesha idol using natural, sustainable materials. While this will  honour the tradition, it will also contribute to preserving the environment, ensuring that the spirit of the festival is celebrated in harmony with nature.

Besides, opting for a green celebration not only demonstrates your commitment to Mother nature but also adds a personal and creative touch to your festivities:

If you are wondering how to make your own eco-friendly Ganesha, then look no further; here are a few ways you can choose from:

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Clay: Using clay is one of the most traditional and eco-friendly ways to craft your Ganesh idol. Natural clay is biodegradable and dissolves completely in water. Begin by kneading the clay to a smooth consistency and shape it into your desired Ganesh form. For decoration, use beads to create intricate patterns or adornments, and add natural dyes to add colour. You can also use small, eco-friendly charms to enhance the idol's features. Once the festival concludes, immerse the clay idol in a bucket of water, allowing it to dissolve naturally.

Wheat/ rice flour: Wheat or rice  flour, mixed with water to form a dough-like consistency, is another excellent material for crafting eco-friendly Ganesh idols. This dough can be molded into intricate shapes and will dry to a sturdy finish. For decoration, apply natural colours or eco-friendly paints. Embellish your idol with trinkets that can be safely dissolved after the festival. Adding these elements will make the idol visually appealing while ensuring all materials are biodegradable. After the festival, the wheat flour idol can be safely dissolved in water, enriching the soil with its organic content.

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Natural fibre: Natural fibers like jute or coir can be used to craft eco-friendly Ganesh idols. Start by shaping the fibre into the basic form of Ganesh and use a natural adhesive to secure the fibres in place. Decorate the idol with trinkets, beads, or charms that are made from sustainable materials. You can also use small pieces of cloth or natural fibers for additional detail. The use of natural fibers ensures that the idol is both sustainable and biodegradable. Post-festival, these idols can be composted, minimising their environmental impact.

Recycled materials: Get creative by using recycled materials to make your Ganesh idol. Old newspapers can be repurposed into a beautiful and eco-friendly Ganesh. Create a base structure from paper using water and fevicol. Let it dry. Paint the idol once it dries and decorate with beads, recycled trinkets, or eco-friendly charms to for a visual appeal. Immerse  an eco-friendly manner, ensuring a minimal footprint.

Clay and seeds: Combine the traditional use of clay with the innovative addition of seeds to create a Ganesh idol. Start by making a clay base for your Ganesh idol, shaping it as desired. Before it dries, embed various seeds into the surface or mix them into the clay. For decoration, use beads or charms to enhance the idol's appearance. These seeds can sprout after the idol dissolves in water, turning into a small garden. This method ensures that the idol is eco-friendly and contributes positively to the environment by growing plants. On the day of visarjan immerse the idol in water, and later, plant the seeds to enjoy the fruits of your green celebration.