The annual celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in the month of September spanning over a week is one of the most popular festivals in India. During the festival, beautiful and mesmerizing idols of Lord Ganesha, the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence,’ are brought home by a lot of people and worshipped with exhilarating and devout prayers and then immersed in waters at the conclusion of the festival.
In this backdrop, a group of students from Jain International Residential School (JIRS), Bengaluru, came together for a project to make an environmentally friendly Ganesha idol this year.
The project began with a visit to the local idol makers, where students gained invaluable insights into the traditional process of idol making. Then, under the guidance of art educator, Mr. Satyajith Bohra, this group using eco-friendly materials and his mentorship applied their newfound knowledge to create an idol that embodies both artistry and environmental responsibility. The creation of a beautiful and environmentally friendly Ganesha idol by these environment conscious students was applauded and celebrated by the whole school community.
“We are immensely proud of our students for their dedication and ingenuity”, stated the Executive council of the school. “Their efforts in creating this eco-friendly Ganesha idol reflect our school’s commitment to fostering creativity and environmental stewardship. This project serves as an inspiration for all to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with a sense of responsibility towards our environment.”. By opting for sustainable materials, the students have demonstrated how traditions can be preserved while embracing eco-conscious practices.