Choose clay Idols for a greener celebration, say experts

Nagpur: With Ganesh Chaturthi just a day away, the markets are brimming with colourful and intricate idols of Lord Ganesha. As buyers flock to select the perfect idol for their homes, ensuring it is eco-friendly is crucial. To help you make an informed choice, experts have shared tips to distinguish between clay and Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols.

“The first test is the weight test. A PoP idol is much lighter than the eco-friendly idol that’s made of natural clay. But, these days, sellers fill the PoP idol with cement or some other unsafe material. I suggest examining the idol from below to clear this doubt,” said Om Sambajwar, a clay idol sculptor.

Prof Kishor Ingle, from Govt College of Arts and Design, spoke about the colour test. “Bright shiny paints and polished gems could be harmful. Many colours contain harmful substances like lead, chromium, and aluminium that pollute the water bodies when the idol is immersed. So, go for natural colours, not a glossy finish,” he said.

“We have noticed a lot of PoP idols in markets around the city, especially in rural areas,” said Aditi Sarang, a green activist. “People in cities are more aware and ask for clay idols, but rural markets still have a lot of PoP ones. Even in city’s suburbs, you can find PoP idols. Many people might buy them without realising they’re not eco-friendly. The best way is to educate people about the importance of using clay idols,” she said.

“As a third-generation sculptor artist specialising in clay idols, I urge people to seek out trusted idol makers,” said Sandeep More. “The best approach is to establish a relationship with a particular artist in your city or town. Over the past 50 years, we have received at least 500 household Ganesha idol orders from Nagpur alone. It’s a bond of trust. We would never consider using Plaster of Paris (PoP) because of our long-standing relationships with our customers. This also supports local artists and artisans,” he added.