Brass Ganesh Idol, golden example of sustainable celebration of festival

 

 

At a time when conversations around sustainability are gaining momentum, the Rani Laxminagar Ganesh Utsav Mandal has been quietly leading by example for over a decade. Breaking away from the ‘legacy’ of immersing clay or Plaster of Paris (POP) idols that often pollute water bodies, the mandal has chosen permanence over perishability, installing the same 250 kg brass idol of Lord Ganesh for the 13th consecutive year. Standing six feet tall, the idol, crafted in Aligarh and brought to Nagpur in 2013, has now become a symbol of devotion intertwined with responsibility. Unlike temporary idols, this one remains untouched by the waves of visarjan, embodying the spirit of a celebration that does not come at the cost of nature. The mandal’s commitment to eco-conscious celebration extends beyond the idol. Its pandal decorations this year were adorned with lush green saplings, offering a serene and refreshing ambience to devotees.

 

The green canopy not only lent beauty but also reinforced the idea that spirituality and environment can go hand in hand. Explaining the initiative, mandal member Anil Joshi said, “This is the 13th year we are doing ‘sthapana’ of the brass idol. Our city does not have flowing water bodies, and immersion of PoP idols only harms our lakes. We wanted to do something meaningful for Mother Nature.” For rituals, the mandal installs a small clay idol, which is respectfully immersed in a tank within the premises itself, ensuring no harm is done to natural resources. Joshi added, “Many devotees are inspired by our effort and say they will follow the same, though very few actually take it up. I appeal to people to preserve both our sanskruti and our environment.”

 

Over time, several households in the city have also started embracing permanent idols of brass and silver, marking a shift in tradition. With its socio-cultural programmes and rising footfalls, the Laxminagar Mandal has become more than just a place of worship; it has emerged as a beacon of how faith can flourish without burdening the environment. The mandal’s vision, blending devotion with ecological awareness, has rightly been hailed as a step towards reducing pollution in lakes and rivers, while keeping alive the essence of Ganeshotsav in its truest, most mindful form.