Ganesha Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chavithi is the Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the elephant headed god, Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is said to be the God of knowledge, and the remover of obstacles. Hence this is a very auspicious day, celebrated, so that every new activity started is successfully completed without any encumbrances.
Chaturthi means “fourth day” or “fourth state.” Celebrations are traditionally held on the fourth day of the second fortnight (Shukla Chaturthi) in every month and is also know as “Vinayaka Chathurti“, but the biggest annual celebration is in the month of Bhaadrapada in the Hindu calendar, usually is August or September. In the Gregorian calendar, Bhaadrapada corresponds to the constellation Virgo of the solar calendar. The festival generally lasts ten days, ending on the fourteenth day of the fortnight (Anant Chaturdashi.)
This festival is celebrated throughout India but mainly in Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Ganesha is offered Kudumulu as it is said this dish is his favorite. Devotees place Ganesh idols in public pandals for 10 days and celebrate this festival grandly.
Environmental Clash :
The serious problem of the Festival arises when Ganesh Idols are immersed in water. Traditionally, idols were sculpted from clay taken from nearby bodies of water, and after the festival they were returned to their source. This is a cycle meant to represent the nature of creation and dissolution. Now a days instead of natural clay, idols are being made out of plaster of Paris which is lighter and cheaper. The paint used in the decorations have harmful chemicals in them and the use of plastic idols is contaminating the water after the immersion of the idols.
Immersion of these idols made with plaster of Paris reduces oxygen level in the water and kills the animals present in it. Also, these idols do not dissolve in water like those made of clay and pollute the water by increasing the acid content. This polluted water is unsafe for consumption and causes several skin diseases.
Because of such environmental degradation, many concerned people started campaigns asking us to avoid these plastic painted idols and to purchase only idols made of clay. These natural clay idols are called eco-friendly Ganesha.
So, lets hope this will be the last time you would be celebrating Ganesh Chathurti with the painted plaster of Paris idols. Those of you celebrating by bringing home eco-friendly Ganesha– good Job! Be good, do good and spread good!
