Ganesha-necessity of going green

Ganesha the lord of power and wisdom is worshipped first, before taking up any auspicious work.

Maharaja Chatrapati Shivaji initiated Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Maharashtra to promote culture and nationalism. Since then, this tradition is being continued, but, remained as a family affair.  However, Lokmanya Balagangadhar Tilak, the freedom fighter and social reformer transformed this annual fete into a large, well-organized public event, in 1893 "to bridge the gap between the communities and generate nationalistic fervor among people against the British colonial rule.  It served as a meeting ground for people of all castes and communities and spread over into other areas of the country.

Ganesha idols made out of natural clay are worshiped with 21 herbs and leaves during the Ganesh Navarathri commencing from Bhadrapada Sudha Chaviti.  This festival occurs during monsoon season.  Water born diseases are generally spread during this season due to heavy rains and floods. After the Ganesha festival, the worshiped Ganesha idols along with pooja leaves (Pathra) are immersed (Nimajjana) in water (rivers/canals/lakes/sea). It is believed that these leaves when they are thrown in huge quantity into water, helps in purifying the water due to their medicinal properties. Ganesha idols made of natural clay, when immersed in water; they get dissolved very easily in water and cleanse the water without causing pollution.

In Hindu Tradition, creatures like Snakes (Sarpa/Kala), Lizards, rats (Mushika) and animals like Pig (Varaha), Dog (Bhairava), Tigers, Lions etc., are worshiped. Plants and leaves that include common grass are used for worshiping the god. It is not due to foolishness; rather it has the element of environmental consciousness behind it. Hindu tradition recognizes that every creature, animal, plant has its own place in the larger environment, basing on the premise that “Nothing is less important” in the echo-system. That’s the richness of Hind Tradition.

But, today we are abusing the basic principles of these traditions. Huge Idols of Ganesha with rich colors and decorations are being installed and immersed in water bodies. Unmindful of consequences, idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP) are being used in place of the traditional natural clay (Mud), to showcase our status.  

Let us see the ramifications of this trend.  POP contains chemicals like Sulfur, Gypsum, Phosphorous and Magnesium. POP dissolves slowly, gradually releasing these harmful chemicals when the idol made of POP is immersed in water bodies. As a result of these chemicals, the acidity level of water rises thereby making it toxic. This water is very harmful to fish and other aqua creatures. Also it causes diseases to people when they consume and take a dip/bath in it.

The dyes used to color the idols contain harmful elements like Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Lead and Carbon. Plastic and thermocol and other decorative materials are not biodegradable.  They seriously effect the environment. 

When we worship the god, it is the devotion that counts, but not how you showcase your status and how good you decorate the deity.   In the name of god, we don’t have the right to spoil the environment we live in. Let us take a pledge to be environmental friendly in every action and stick to the basics of the traditions, lest be ready to face the consequences in the near future.  It is our duty to uphold the echo system, for our own sake.