One of the most loved Hindu Gods and the most celebrated festivals in India, especially in Maharashtra, is Ganesh Chaturthi. This year, Mumbai's most famous Ganpati Pandal - Lalbaugcha Raja - is all set to go eco-friendly. The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal's theme is 'save the environment' and the decoration is made of papier mache.

This year the devotees will see less plastic and thermocol around their deity, as the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal has decided to use less plastic and support the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plastic ban initiative. Ganesh Chaturthi 2018 Sthapana Muhurat: Auspicious Time, Puja Vidhi For Vinayaka Chaturthi

Noted Indian art director Nitin Desai has added virtual reality to the eco-friendly décor. Santosh Kambli, the murtikar (artist), has made the idol without prabhavali and sihasan- a first in 30 years.

Speaking about the Ganesh Idol, Santosh Kambli said that it was difficult to make the idol which was sitting on a stone because “Raja is meant to be on a throne”. Lalbaugcha Raja 2018 First Pictures: See Pratham Darshan Video And Photos of Mumbai's Most Famous Ganesh Pandal

“Our aim this year was to highlight conservation of forest and environment. I can proudly say that in 85 years of history of our mandal, this year is going to be historic when it comes to theme,” said Balasaheb Kamble, president, Lalbaugcharaja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Meanwhile, Sathya Sai trust in Bengaluru has made Ganesh idol using sugarcane shunning Plaster of Paris (PoP).

Even in other parts of the country, people are preferring the idols made of mud instead of Plaster of Paris. The sale of eco-friendly idols has also seen sharp growth year-by-year. Eco-Friendly Ganpati Idols You Can Make at Home (Watch DIY Videos)

Eco-friendly idols are those that are made out of clay, mud, natural fibres and other biodegradable materials.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2018 01:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).