Green Chaturthi
Green Chaturthi 2012
The most awaited festival of Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi or Chavath will soon be celebrated with much fervour all across our tiny state. But most people are not aware of the post visarjan (immersion) horrors to our fragile ecology that include fragments of the Plaster of Paris (POP) idols floating on water bodies, leeching of chemicals through paints and other artificial materials and thermacol and plastic bags stuffed with offerings dotting our green landscape. These holy offerings often land up mixed with sewage, garbage, or on river banks where people trample or stray animals tear apart.
The key, therefore, lies in the awareness and use of alternatives for an eco-friendly and non-polluting festival as a fitting tribute to Ganesha, the God of Ecology.
Why clay idols and organic colours?
• In Goa it is illegal to immerse Ganesh idols of POP, but despite the ban, POP idols are made as they are light-weight, have a quick setting time so more can be made in a shorter time frame and have a better finish than traditional clay ones. Unlike clay idols that dissolve in water instantly, POP which contains gypsum, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium floats, disintegrates slowly and in the process poisons the waters of lakes, ponds, rives and seas.
• The chemical paints used to decorate the Ganesh idol contain mercury, lead, cadmium and carbon and this increases the acidity and heavy metal content in water. When the fish and other sea life ingest it, we too are at a risk of absorbing these when we consume the same as seafood. People bathing in such waters are known to experience skin rashes and a host of other respiratory problems.
• The easiest alternative therefore is to make or buy clay idols finished with natural colours made by our local khumbhars. Switching over to clay idols is actually the traditional and authentic way to celebrate the festival.
• Some talukas, particularly Ponda has a tradition amongst its people to use paper Ganeshas which are symbolically immersed and recycled. Others use a metal idol. And there are even some that reuse the same idol every year.
• In Goa it is illegal to immerse Ganesh idols of POP, but despite the ban, POP idols are made as they are light-weight, have a quick setting time so more can be made in a shorter time frame and have a better finish than traditional clay ones. Unlike clay idols that dissolve in water instantly, POP which contains gypsum, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium floats, disintegrates slowly and in the process poisons the waters of lakes, ponds, rives and seas.
• The chemical paints used to decorate the Ganesh idol contain mercury, lead, cadmium and carbon and this increases the acidity and heavy metal content in water. When the fish and other sea life ingest it, we too are at a risk of absorbing these when we consume the same as seafood. People bathing in such waters are known to experience skin rashes and a host of other respiratory problems.
• The easiest alternative therefore is to make or buy clay idols finished with natural colours made by our local khumbhars. Switching over to clay idols is actually the traditional and authentic way to celebrate the festival.
• Some talukas, particularly Ponda has a tradition amongst its people to use paper Ganeshas which are symbolically immersed and recycled. Others use a metal idol. And there are even some that reuse the same idol every year.
Saying NO to non-biodegradable accessories and items
• Several accessories used during the Ganesh Puja like plastic flowers, cloth, incense, camphor and numerous other materials are thrown at the time of immersion into the river. Opt for bio-degradable items that can be safely composted.
• Thermacol, POP and plastic are non-biodegradable. Use decorative items made from paper, cardboard, cloth, bamboo, coconut or wood. Use real flowers, vegetables and fruits for matoli items as traditionally practiced.
• The other issue is the use of fireworks during the 11-day festival. It is a festival of aartis and puja, and not of noise. Adopt less noisy and non-polluting practices. Be considerate to infants, the aged and pets.
• Several accessories used during the Ganesh Puja like plastic flowers, cloth, incense, camphor and numerous other materials are thrown at the time of immersion into the river. Opt for bio-degradable items that can be safely composted.
• Thermacol, POP and plastic are non-biodegradable. Use decorative items made from paper, cardboard, cloth, bamboo, coconut or wood. Use real flowers, vegetables and fruits for matoli items as traditionally practiced.
• The other issue is the use of fireworks during the 11-day festival. It is a festival of aartis and puja, and not of noise. Adopt less noisy and non-polluting practices. Be considerate to infants, the aged and pets.
Involve local bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities
Request your local body, Panchayat or Municipality to install compost pots/ receptacles for offerings like flowers, another one for fruits and vegetables and separate ones for non-biodegradable items like decorations of thermacol, plastic, etc. The flowers can be used to make natural colors, as an additive to handmade paper making or composted separately in a temple premises either in a dug out pit or a large compost pot. The fruits and vegetables can be donated to the needy. This exercise has been quite successful in many parts of the country. Small towns like Sawantwadi in Maharashtra have roped in its municipality to install these bins around its lake, locally termed as ‘Nirmalya’, a place to deposit the waste related to puja or religious rites.
Let’s preserve the sanctity of this festival by having a sustainable celebration.
For more details or information contact us at missiongreengoa@yahoogroups.
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