Hindu body seeks ban on Ganesh idols made of POP

Panaji, Sept 1: A Hindu body has demanded a ban on Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP) ahead of the upcoming festival, saying they are against the Hindu tradition and cause pollution.

Hindu Jan-jagruti Samiti (HJS) also submitted a memorandum to Goa Environment minister Alina Saldanha in this regard.

"As per science of spirituality, one should prepare Ganesh idols with shaadu (clay). Nowadays, Plaster of Paris is being used for idol making as it is lightweight and more attractive," HJS said in a statement.

"There are references in the Puranas that Ganapati was created with grime. Hence, it is appropriate to use a Ganesh idol made of clay for ritualistic worship," it said.

It further claimed that "pure spiritual particles" (pavitraks) of Ganapati get "attracted" towards an idol made of clay. It also opposed paper-pulp idols as they cause water pollution due to chemical-based colours.

"Idols made of shaadu do not cause pollution. The government can promote environment-friendly Ganesh idols by encouraging clay idols," it said.

As clay idols are expensive, the government can provide subsidy and make raw material available at low rates, it said.

The ten-day-long Ganesh festival would be celebrated in Goa and Maharashtra from September 17.

PTI