Several centuries ago the Hindus used to worship Ganapati idols made out of cow dung. Those days everything was eco-friendly and sustainable.
Now that environmental concerns are on everybody’s top of the mind, this practice is being revived.
What started as a pilot project last year has began catching attention this year though in a small scale.
City based Surbhi Kutir Udyog Foundation, a not for profit company which is working for the welfare of cows across the country, has come out with this unique idea and introduced these Ganapati idols which are made by artisans in a village in Rajasthan.
The idols called ‘Gomaya Ganesh’ or ‘Go Ganesh’ were introduced in three sized: 3 inches priced at Rs 150, 6 inches Rs 700 and 18 inches Rs 4500.
The idols which sold the most were 3 inch ones. Andheri resident Pramila Mehta has bought one and has kept it in her house.
“Encouraged by the response to our pilot project last year, we introduced this eco-friendly Ganapatis this year. We are happy with the response,” said Rishi Jai Prakash, Managing Director, Surbhi Kutir Udyog Foundation.
“These idols are not only eco-friendly, but much better than other eco-friendly materials. The enthusiasm from children is mind boggling. We will go on a big way next year,” he said.
The idols are made out of dung of calves which are not older than 2 months to get the desired shape, strength and longevity.
These water soluble idols were greatly promoted by the students of KPB Hinduja College this year and they sold most of the 1100 idols through a sustained campaign.
“Our message was these Ganesh idols would prevent water pollution. We are happy with the response we got,” said Yash Ram Ashar, a second year Bachelor in Transport Management (BTM) student of the Hinduja College. The money earned by the sale of these idols was distributed among those artisans and villagers to encourage them to adopt and take care of non-milking cows.
