Eco-friendly Ganesha idol-making workshops gain traction in the city
In a quiet corner of the city, laughter and devotion blend with the earthy scent of wet clay. People of various ages are sitting around a table, pressing lumps of shadu maati to create the shape of Ganpati Bappa. This isn’t an art class but one of the many eco-friendly Ganesha idol-making workshops that have been steadily drawing many Punekars who want to celebrate Ganeshotsav with a touch of creativity and sustainability. For some, it is a personal step towards mindful living; for others, a chance to reconnect with traditions and culture in a more intimate way. Facilitating sustainabilityFor Shruti Bhutada, host of one such workshop, sustainability was never a fashionable concept but a lived reality. Growing up in drought-hit Latur, she learned to treat resources with reverence. “My mother had one simple rule — never bring plastic bags home,” she recalls. Years later, after successfully crafting her own clay idol, Shruti decided to share that joy. “If I can do this, so can others. That thought sparked the idea of hosting such workshops,” she says. Poonam Bansal, another facilitator, remembers her turning point vividly — the sight of water bodies filled with broken Plaster of Paris idols after Ganpati visarjan. “It was heartbreaking,” she says, adding, “I wanted people to celebrate with love for nature, so I began these sessions. We use only shadu maati and natural colours. Nothing toxic.” Blending art and spiritualityThe city’s response to these activities has been heartening. Families, school groups, college students and even corporate teams have gathered to shape their Ganesha idols. The workshops are equal parts devotion and camaraderie — parents guiding children, friends laughing at their first lopsided attempts, strangers swapping tips across tables. “It’s amazing to see people of all ages joining in. If more households turn to clay idols, we can truly reduce water pollution while keeping the spirit of Ganeshotsav alive,” says Poonam. For student Manasi Pawar, the experience of crafting a Ganesha idol was unexpectedly meditative. Calling the process a perfect blend of art and spirituality, she says, “This will always remain a personal keepsake of devotion and creativity.” Others, like Sharayu Rajput, see it as a conscious commitment. “Plaster idols look beautiful but are harmful for the environment. Clay is sustainable and rooted in tradition. Now that I have started this practice, I will continue it forever.” ‘The aim is not perfection’No prior skill is needed to join these workshops. The organisers provide the material — clay, base, colours — as well as guidance. Participants simply need to immerse themselves in the process. “The aim is not perfection,” says Shruti, adding, “It’s about togetherness, memories and awareness. You leave not just with an idol, but with a sense of having done something good for your surroundings.” As more Punekars move to eco-friendly celebrations, the common sentiment is that of celebrating responsibly. QUOTES“Making an idol with your hands is an emotional moment. It’s something you have created and that makes the idol more special.” —Ritesh Agarwal, participant “The love Punekars put into these idols is heartwarming. Families, schools and corporates are all showing interest” —Shruti Bhutada, workshop host
