Buying raw clay Ganesh idols has always been a part of the tradition of many homes for the Vinayaka Chaturthi festival. Many residents are going that extra mile to get idols with compost and seeds so that the idol can become part of their gardens after the puja.
If you are looking to buy a green Ganesha for Vinayaka Chaturthi this year, then ones made by non-governmental organisation Sevalaya are a good idea.
They are making clay Ganesha idols filled with compost and adding Tulsi and crossandra ( Kanakambaram ) seeds in the mix so that you can leave the idol in a pot after the puja.
“This year we have a few centres in the city from where the idols can be picked up. We get a lot of compost from our gardens and we thought this would be a good idea. This is our contribution to the environment,” said R.Ganesh of Seva Craft unit of Sevalaya.
Along with each Ganesha idol, a paper umbrella, a bunch arugum pul grass and an erukkam poo maalai would be given. Those wanting idols can call 72990 60290, 94446 20289, 90947 66806.
On the streets too, celebrations are turning green. A few associations in north Chennai have been getting colourful clay Ganeshas all the way from Nagpur by train for several years now.
At the Kanaiyalal Agarwal Bal Niketan school on Chinna Naicken Street, a 5-feet tall Ganesha teaches students.
Swachch Bharath theme
“On Sembudoss Street, the Vinayakar Association will install a Ganesha with a Swachch Bharath theme. On Perumal Mudali Street, the Bangle Association will get Sowcarpet Raja Ganeshaand in Kilpauk there is a Ganesha seated on a conch, who will bless the city with water,” explained Sampathkumar Joshi, artist and decorator, who is incharge of the decorations.
The large Ganesha on Venkatnarayana Road in T. Nagar is to be made of fruits.
Trip to Pillayarpatti
And finally, if you feel like visiting a temple during this festive season, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has planned a trip to Pillayarpatti on September 1, the cost of which is ₹2,600 for adults per and ₹1300 for a child aged 6 - 12.
The bus leaves the offices of the TTDC onWallaja Road at 10 p.m. and reaches Tiruchi the next morning for breakfast. Darshan would be arranged between 10.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. at Pillayarpatti on September 2.
In the return direction, passengers would be taken to Srirangam Sri Ranganathar temple at 4 p.m. for darshan.
The bus would return to Chennai on September 3. For details call 180042531111 or 044 - 25333333. Bookings online can be done on www.ttdconline.com
