With Ganeshotsav approaching, women professionals from Shrirang Society in Thane have taken an eco-friendly approach to celebrating the festival by creating their own Ganesha idols using natural mud.

The initiative was conducted through a 10–12-day idol-making workshop, where participants learned the process of shaping and preparing sustainable Ganesha idols.

The workshop was guided by artisan Aditi Date and brought together women from different professional backgrounds, including doctors, artists and authors.

Unlike traditional idols made from materials that can contribute to water pollution, the participants opted for natural clay.

They also decided to carry out home immersion of the idols, helping reduce the environmental impact associated with large-scale visarjan activities.

One of the key aspects of the initiative is that the clay will not simply be discarded after immersion. Participants plan to reuse the clay for gardening or future idol-making, creating a sustainable cycle and reducing festival waste.

The community initiative highlights how traditional celebrations can be combined with environmental responsibility. By making their own idols and planning their reuse, the women of Shrirang Society are encouraging more families to consider greener ways of celebrating Ganeshotsav.

The effort also sends a wider message: celebrating Lord Ganesha with devotion does not have to come at the cost of the environment.

As eco-friendly celebrations gain attention across Maharashtra, such community-led initiatives could inspire more citizens to adopt sustainable practices during the festival.