In Kelwa town of Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, a quiet environmental movement unfolded just days before Ganesh Utsav, as local women sat down together and shaped Ganesh idols entirely by hand out of pure natural clay. The event was organised under the Swachh Kelwa, Harit Kelwa initiative at the Neelkanth Mahadev temple and the Rampol Darwaza premises, where a special programme titled Aao Mitti Ke Ganpati Banayein was held. The gathering was not just a religious celebration, it carried a strong message about protecting the environment.
21 idols shaped without a mould or a single chemical
Women from Kelwa turned up in large numbers and joined in with visible enthusiasm. Amid the traditional festive mood, they used their skill and craft to hand-mould around 21 charming Ganesh idols. What stood out was that none of the idols were made using a mould or any chemical material of any kind. Each figure was shaped with devotion and complete focus, and the faith and artistry of the women were clearly visible in every piece. The creative activity filled the entire temple premises with a devotional, festive atmosphere.
How POP and chemical colours threaten water bodies
Meena Rajak, the programme's coordinator, explained the purpose behind the initiative to those present. She said that Ganesh idols sold in the market, made from Plaster of Paris or POP and toxic chemical colours, cause serious damage to water bodies and the environment. According to her, when such idols are immersed in water during visarjan, the harmful elements dissolve into it and contaminate it, which directly affects aquatic life as well as human health. Idols made of pure clay, by contrast, dissolve easily in water after immersion and cause no pollution at all. This, she said, makes clay Ganesh idols the safest option from an environmental point of view.
A message of protecting nature alongside faith
Through the programme, the organisers tried to convey that faith and the protection of nature can go hand in hand. They said Ganesh Utsav is an important part of local culture, but celebrating it with grandeur does not require causing harm to nature. Those present were also told that everyone carries certain moral responsibilities towards the environment, and that only by fulfilling them can a clean and safe earth be handed down to the coming generations. The organisers stressed that even small steps, taken together, can bring about a large change.
A pledge to celebrate an eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav
At the end of the programme, all the participants and the residents present took a collective pledge. They resolved to celebrate Ganesh Utsav this year in a completely eco-friendly manner. They also pledged to inspire other people in the area to give up chemical idols and adopt clay Ganesh idols instead. The unique initiative in Kelwa town is being widely appreciated across the region, and is being described as an inspiring step towards spreading environmental awareness.
