BY ARTI DAS | NT NETWORK
Ganesh Chaturthi–a festival that every Goan longs for is just a few days away. The preparations will begin in some days, starting with buying of an idol. But wait!! Think twice before you buy it. Is the idol that you are buying eco-friendly? Are there chances that it may lead to water pollution on immersion?

In this regard, the state government has banned idols made from plaster of paris and is encouraging clay idols, which are now being made at various ‘Chitrashalas’ (idol making workshop) throughout the state.
However, artisans confess that these idols are not fully traditional as they are bound to use synthetic or chemical colours. “We make idols from ‘chikat maati’ (mud), but the colours which are used are not natural. This is mainly due to the fact that there is no easy availability of such colours. Moreover, spray paints make the idols look alluring,” states a local artisan.
So what is a person to do? Earthworm eco-store at Porvorim will be stocking Ganesh idols made from mud and natural colours. “This is for the first time in Goa that we are stocking such idols. We have collaborated with eCOexist, a Pune-based group to bring these eco-friendly Ganesh idols to the people of Goa. They are made of clay and painted with turmeric, ‘geroo’, and ‘multani mitti’,” says Nirmal Kulkarni of the Earthworm store.
The eCoexist has been working towards an eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi for the past four years. They also conduct environment education activities in schools, design and promote biodegradable Ganesh idols, and also coordinate river cleaning activities in Pune. They even collect waste flowers during Chaturthi, which are then recycled to make Holi colours.
Earthworm is also aiming for the same goal–to pass on the awareness message of conducting eco-friendly or green festivals. “Along with this, we are also planning some activities/programmes before Chaturthi begins,” adds Kulkarni.
(Interested people can place the orders now. The idols will be at the store from September 5.  For information and inquiries please call— 2410871, 9766358343 or 9326107079.)