

City’s budding artists are taking a green approach by crafting eco-friendly Ganesh idols. An “Eco-Friendly Ganesh Art Workshop” organized by Art Attraction in Gayatri Nagar is promoting the use of clay mixed with alum (fitkari) to create idols. Expert Manisha Bhatia shares her insights on this unique endeavor, highlighting its dual benefits of pollution prevention and aiding water purification.
Alum-Infused Clay for Sustainable Celebrations
Aspiring artists are exploring innovative ways to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi sustainably. This year, they’re adding alum to clay to create eco-friendly Ganesh idols. Manisha Bhatia, an expert in the field, trains participants on the process, emphasizing that the idols made with this technique not only contribute to pollution reduction but also offer water purification benefits upon immersion.
Tips and Techniques for Crafting Eco-Friendly Idols
To create alum-infused Ganesh idols, artisans first warm the alum to an appropriate temperature and then mix it with clay before molding the idols. After allowing them to dry, the idols are painted with vibrant fabric colors, such as yellow, red, and purple, and can be further adorned with colorful stones for a personalized touch.
Inspiring the Next Generation through Workshops
The Gold Land Assembly (Vidhansabha) is hosting a two-day “Eco-Friendly Ganesh Art Creation Workshop” in which children and adults alike are enthusiastically learning to craft these unique idols. The workshop’s first day featured insights from Ruchi Lohia and Smriti Pitlia, who shared their knowledge of creating homemade eco-friendly Ganesh idols. Participants of all ages are getting hands-on experience in crafting these environmentally conscious art pieces.