Symbolic Immersion- Environmentally Friendly way of Immersion

The origins of Ganesh Chaturthi started with the agrarian community bringing home a mould of soil from the river bank, worshipping it and then immersing it back to the river after the ritual. This ritual was to pay respect to earth and also to signify the cycle of creation and dissolution, acknowledging the fact that all things come from nature and go seamlessly back to it.
However as years passed, the mould of soil became the idol of Ganesha; the ritual remained but the message behind it was lost.
Instead of looking at immersion from a ritualistic point of view, we need to understand the thought behind it. Today knowing the harmful chemicals in the idols as well as colors, we need to make practical adjustments in the immersion practices.

We must opt for symbolic immersion,

1. Instead of the actual Ganesh idol we could immerse a betel nut and pack away the idol for use the next year.
2. Another way of immersion could be sprinkling a few drops of water on the idol and then wiping it off and keeping the idol for another year’s use.
3. In case of metal idols we can immerse the idol in a tub or a bucket at home.

This way we do not lose touch with our culture and tradition but also preserve the environment.

9 Tips to make your Ganesha Green

Want to celebrate Ganeshotsav but don’t want to harm the environment? Here are tips for you!

1. Green Idol: Do not buy Ganesh idols made from PoP (Plaster of Paris) instead look for idols made from Paper Mache, clay or install a metal idol.
2. Green paint: While choosing a clay model, make sure that the colors used on it are eco friendly and do not contain metallic compounds which can be poisonous for the aquatic life.
3. Smaller Size: Reduce the size of the ganesh idol you bring home, this will reduce the harm caused by its immersion.

4. Green Decorations: Instead of going for decoration made from thermocol, use innovative ideas for  green decorations like colorful flowers, lights, cloth drapes.
5. Simple Celebrations: Go for a simple celebration which keeps the essence of the festival alive along with the traditional and religious aspects of it.
6. Green Immersions: On the day of immersion, immerse your idols at artificial ponds in your area or have a symbolic immersion at home; do not immerse them in rivers, lakes or sea.
7. Disposing Waste: Do not throw the flowers, garlands in the water while immersion, dispose them in a paper bag in the nirmalya or waste bins installed by the municipality.
8. No nuisance, please: Also while you take your idol for immersion, avoid using bands or huge speakers which causes nuisance to young and old alike.
9. Common Celebration: Talk to your family and friends and help reduce the number of idols immersed by having a common Ganesh idol. This will not only reduce the strain on environment but also increase the joy of the festival.