One of the most enthusiastic festivals, Ganeshotsav has begun. The 10-day festival marking the birth of Lord Ganesha started on September 13 and the devotees are engrossed in the traditional feasts and festivities. The streets and corners and houses are all shining in bright with beautiful multi-colored lights, diyas and handcrafted Ganpati idols. Every year, Ganesh Chaturthi has sparked the debate on whether the festival can become more eco-friendly. It seems that the struggle could taste a bit of success as most of the 2018’s Ganpati idols go green! They are made of non-degradable substances—an increase in environment-friendly elephant-headed Bappa across the pandals are seen. From chocolate to Ganesha made with banana flowers, these eco-friendly Ganpati idols are a treat to devotees. Ganesh Chaturthi 2018: Eco-Friendly Ganpati Idols You Can Make at Home. 

Thousands of idols worshipped and then immersed into the nearest water body, polluting and increasing risks for the marine lives. The demand to make the festival more eco-friendly has prompted the sellers to introduce new and innovative Ganesha solutions that include a chocolate Ganesha, a tree Ganesha that does not require immersion at all. Apart from that, many residents have taken the DIY route to adore eco-friendly idols at home. Go green Ganpati idols have surfaced on the internet and the netizens are clearly in love with the unique and innovative art pieces. Ganesh Visarjan 2018 Dates: Check the List of Ganesha Visarjan Tithi With Shubh Muhurat Timings for 1.5, 3, 5, 7 and Anant Chaturdashi. 

Tree Ganesha

After the festivities, the idols are made of seeds and can be watered and turned into a sapling. Several individuals across the country have taken up the initiative to celebrate Ganeshotsav and make it an eco-friendly event. Some media reports are claiming that there is a growing demand for tree Ganpati this year.

Chocolate Ganesha

This has to be one of the most thoughtful ideas to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. For the third year in a row, this Sikh restaurateur, Harjinder Singh Kukreja in Ludhiana has prepared an edible Ganpati with pure dark Belgian chocolate. After the festival, the idol will be immersed in milk for Ganesh Visarjand and yummy chocolate milkshake will be served to underprivileged children. Best WhatsApp Messages, GIF Images, Facebook Status & SMS to Send Happy Ganesh Chaturthi Greetings on Lord Ganesha’s Birthday. 

Fish Friendly Ganesha

The fish-friendly Ganesha initiated by the Mumbai-based non-profit, Sprouts Environment Trust has gone viral for a few years now. An idea developed by the ad agency Ogilvy & Mather, fish food idols has received much love from the worshippers. In this idol, clay was chosen as the exterior with fish food stuffing inside, keeping it free of moisture. The enthusiasm generated by this noble initiative truly adds to the festive spirit.

Banana Flower Ganesha

Lord Ganesh made with Banana Flowers is a huge arrangement in Chennai. The idea is definitely innovative. But we are worried about the food if getting wasted at the end of the 10-day long festival. The artisan creating this giant elephant-headed eco-friendly idol has not really clarified if it is an edible one.

Thread Ganesha

While promoting the film Sui Dhaaga Made in India staring Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma, Yash Raj Films have curated this beautiful idol made with thread.

Sugarcane Ganesha

Sathya Sai Trust in Bengaluru has made this Ganesha using Sugarcane. After 21 days of the prayer, the sugarcane will be distributed in the public. According to an ANI report, it took nearly a month and a half for the artists to create this giant sugarcane Ganesha.

To shun Plaster of Paris (PoP), these lovely Ganesha idols made with eco-friendly materials has captivated devotees this year. Further, the city of Mumbai for whom Ganesh Chaturthi is more of a street party, cannot use thermocol to make the pandals this year. The Bombay High Court banned the sale and use of decoration items made of thermocol for Ganeshotsav 2018 in Maharashtra. Well, the festival has only begun and there is a lot more in line to astound us, this Ganesh Chaturthi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2018 01:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).