Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner and so is the conversation around preserving the environment by using eco-friendly Ganesh idols during rituals. But did you know that there is a village in Andhra Pradesh where the local craftsmen make Ganesh idols out of eco-friendly materials? What is more, these idols dissolve completely in just thirty minutes of immersion! Here are all of the important details that you would need to know about this craft from Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor Makes Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols
According to an article which was recently published by News18, this particular town is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is near a village called Moram on the National Highway to V Kota in Palamaner.
As per the News18 article, this craft of making eco-friendly Ganesha idols is their only source of income. They work for eight months, intricately hand-crafting each piece with meticulous care. For the rest of the four months, they stay at home, enjoying the fruits of their labour.
Then, the cycle of making the Ganesha idols begins anew. Their craft has won them patrons from far and wide. People come to purchase their idols from as far as Tamil Nadu and even Karnataka. The primary ingredients they use are bamboo, paper and flour.
How Did The Practice Of Making Eco-Friendly Ganesh Began?
You might have expected them to use clay in their making. However, as per the artisans, clay is not good for making tall idols, which attract the most clients. Hence, instead of clay, most use flour, bamboo and paper.
This not only allows them to express their creativity but also better satisfies their patrons – all the while staying completely eco-friendly. The town initially used Plaster of Paris or POP. However, its use was banned owing to the negative environmental impact.
This led the villagers to innovate and use other organic materials.
Also Read: Located In Andhra, Yanam Is A Hidden Natural Charm With French History & Cultural Fusion
Have you ever heard of or been to this town in Andhra Pradesh? Do you celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly way? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: Canva Images (For Representational Purposes Only)
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