City youth join hands for eco-friendly celebrations

Considerable rise in sale of clay Ganesh idols. Students of P.B. Siddhartha Arts and Science College distributed clay idols for free of cost at Moghalrajpuram. Meanwhile, girls from Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala distributed clay models of Ganesha to devotees and called for use of small clay idols.

Students of P.B. Siddhartha Arts and Science College distributing clay Ganesh idols in Vijayawada. Photo: By arrangement

Rigorous campaign by voluntary organisations and youngsters for clay idols appears to have had its impact on many people this Vinayaka Chavitihi, as the sale of clay idols went up considerably.

Students from various colleges distributed idols made of clay, leaving artistes involved in making conventional idols in dismay. At some places, idol makers entered into argument with students, demanding that the latter do not distribute idols free of cost.

Save earth

Students of P.B. Siddhartha Arts and Science College distributed clay idols for free of cost at Moghalrajpuram.

“We distributed more than 250 clay idols made by our students free of cost to devotees. Students of ‘Eco Club’, ‘Green Club’, ‘Bio-diversity Club’ and ‘Water conservation Club’ participated in the programme and won laurels,” said college principal M.V.N. Padma Rao and director V. Babu Rao.

Meanwhile, girls from Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala distributed clay models of Ganesha to devotees and called for use of small clay idols. While extending ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ greetings, they urged devotees not to pollute canals and river by dumping flowers and leaves used for puja. Devotees can soak mud idols in water, which can be used for plants at homes, the students said.

“I displayed more than 200 painted idols at various places in the city. But, most models remained unsold, as several devotees preferred clay idols. Artistes and traders are disappointed over the developments this year,” said Satyanarayana, a vendor.