Demand for clay Ganesh idols surges ahead of Vinayaka Chaturthi
There is a significant increase in demand for clay Ganesh idols in Vijayawada as environmental awareness regarding water pollution grows. Local NGOs and schools are actively promoting eco-friendly celebrations, though recent heavy rains have caused a temporary shortage of clay.
Why it matters
The shift toward eco-friendly religious practices reflects a growing public consciousness regarding environmental sustainability and the impact of traditional festival materials on local water bodies.
There has been good demand for clay Ganesh idols in the market, with environmentalists and many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) spreading public awareness on performing puja by installing clay idols during Vijayaka Chaturthi festival to keep check on water pollution.
Many schools and NGOs in the city have been conducting Ganesh idol-making competitions using clay in the last couple of days. With only a day left until Vinayaka Chaturthi, some NGOs intensified their campaign, explaining the need to install clay idols at homes and in the pandals.
“There is a need to do puja with clay idols to prevent pollution of rivers and canals. Idols made of plaster of Paris, colours, and iron rods are polluting canals,” said Class X student P. Srivatsa, who was preparing clay Ganesh idols for a competition.
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