Puja committees go for 100% eco-friendly idols

Prayagraj: With environment conservation in mind, most of the Durga puja committees in the Sangam city are opting for eco-friendly idols at their pandals. As part of it, not only the idols are made of clay and bamboo, but the dresses and ornaments too are being prepared from clay and jute.
The artisans, all from West Bengal, are busy decorating the idols using bamboo paper and natural colours.
Akash Bhattacharya, owner of an idol making workshop at Tagore Town, said: “We have many orders from prominent barwaris of the city for making huge idols of Goddess Durga, Saraswati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikya along with demon Mahishasur. This year the zeal among devotees is more, owing to the minimal celebrations for the past two years. But the most impressive fact is that everyone has given special instructions to make the idols 100% eco-friendly.”
He further said the work for making these idols began around four months back when the clayey soil of the river bed is dried, ground and filtered after which a dough mixed with jute, hay and natural adhesive is prepared. Earlier, only the idols were made of clay, but the attire and decorations were made of plastic and other harmful substance that polluted the rivers after immersion.
“This time, the idols will be decorated in a fashion that ornaments and sarees — which is clay — will not have to be removed before immersing these idols as they will be completely eco-friendly,” said Sachin Kesarwani, a member of over 100-year-old Attarsuiya Barwari.
He added that “The ornaments like crown, necklace, earrings, armlets etc are all made of clay. These beautifully designed eco-friendly ornaments even beat the artificial jewellery used so far.” A craftsman said the cost of making such idols is around 40% higher than the usual ones but the beauty is compared to none and will certainly attract devotees in large numbers to pandals.