Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols & Decoration Ideas to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi 2022

Ganesh Chaturthi 2022 is just around the corner and the markets are thronged with a myriad of colourful idols and decorative materials. A special surge in eco friendly Ganesh idols can be seen this time. This shift stems from the severe impact of chemicals that dissolve in the water bodies after Visarjan of the idols, that disrupts not only the quality of the water but marine life as well. Here are some of the eco friendly ganpati decoration ideas as well eco friendly Ganesh idols, that'll help you in cutting on the devastating impact of chemicals in water. We have also listed below some ways to make eco friendly Ganesh idols at home.

Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols

Each year, the 10-day-long festival celebrates the birthday of lord Ganesh wherein people host the god at their homes or in handsome pandals in the form of a gorgeous idol, and bid adieu to him on the tenth day by performing visarjan (sumbermission in water).
However, this practice — alongwith other industrial and environmental factors — has severely affecfed the water quality.  
This is why scientists and activists have been strongly advocating to shift towards eco friendlier alternatives that would help in carrying on with the zest of the festivities without tampering environment. 
Likewise, the markets are slowly shifting to greener options like idols made from clay, paper mache, coconut husk, sugarcane, and other natural materials. Some of the idols are also being designed with seeds, that can be sown as the festival concludes. Other options include edible idols that can be laters distributed and consumed as prasad.

Eco-Friendly Ganpati Decoration Ideas

Here are a few ways in which you can give a green touch to your Ganpati decorations this festive season.

1. Ganpati Decoration with Flowers

Flowers are being used for decorative purposes since times immemorial. Some of the religious practices even consider the idea to be particularly holy and appeasing to gods. This Ganesh Chaturthi you can give a floral twist to your decor by forming an attractive background mesh spaced with strings of marigold, roses, or even lilies. Alternatively, you can style these strings into various shapes and designs. You can also simply put the flowers in a vase or sprinkle the area with loose flower petals. Some other options include mango leaves, beetle nuts, floral torans, and twigs.

2. Ganpati Decoration with Lights

Prosperity is believed to be welcomed warmly in light and not darknes — which is why the Ganesh Chaturthi rituals require the idol to be staged in a well lit space. You can easily use this lighting for decorative purposes. The markets are flooded with several fairy lights and/or rice lights that make for a perfectly surreal addition to the decor. You can choose from simple stringa of LEDs or the ones moulded into different shapes and designs.

3. Ganpati Decoration with Colourful Papers

Paper is another eco friendly decoration alternative. You can go for paper ribbons, paper pinwheels, paper tassels, or even paper buntings. You can also slip into your creative hats and go for paper origami. Usually crepe paper is a popular choice for this activity.

4. Ganpati Decoration with Biodegradable or Recyclable Diyas 

Decoration with diyas is one of the simplest yet most elegant ways of decorating your celebratory spaces. Biodegradable diyas made of terracotta and/or clay can be easily found both online as well as in markets. Alternatively, you can go for recyclable diyas made of sturdy materials like copper or brass. These can be found in simple monotones as well as in the form of intricately crafted masterpieces.

5. Ganpati Decoration with Dupattas

Another decoration alternative is to use dupattas or long fabrics. You can use them as plain curtain of sorts in the background or style them into criss-cross patterns. You can also make dupatta canopies for a more bohemian touch.

How to Make Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols for Ganesh Chaturthi 2022 

Here are some easy ways to make eco friendly Ganesh idols at home without overburdening your pocket.

1. Clay Ganesh Idols

Chemical free Ganesha idols can be easily made at home. You can either take pre-packaged eco-friendly modelling clay or instead dig in some black soil from your garden. Mix it with water to form a dough and mould it into various parts of the idol. You can also use toothpicks or needles to define features and other ornamental details. Dry the moulded idol under sun and paint it with enviornmental friendly colours.

2. Gobar Ganesh Idols

Ganesha idols made from cow dung are one of the most biodegradable options for the celebration. You can make these at home by taking a clayey mixture of cow dung and water. You can also add vermicompost manure, natural fertilisers, or plantable seeds such as those of holy basil, tomatoes, or lady finger. After the festivity, you can pour water over the idol or directly plant it in soil — which in a way gives an eternal presence to lord Ganesha at your place.

3. Newspaper Ganesh Idols

You can also create attractive idols at home with old newspapers, magazines, notebooks, charts and other papers. Soak the cut pieces in water for a few minutes, smash them, and add fevicol. You can also add all purpose flour for better binding. This wet clayey material can how easily be moulded into idol, dried and then painted over.

4. Rice Flour Ganesh Idols

For this eco friendly Ganesh idol, you simple need to rummage through your kitchen. Add oil to boiling water, take it off the stove, and add the mixture to a bowl of rice flour. Mix it well with a wooden ladle and then knead it into a warm dough. Take small flour pieces and mould it into various idol parts. You can decorate the idol with various condiments like pepper, cardamom, chilli flakes, vermillion and turmeric.

5. Chocolate Ganesh Idols

Give a culinary twist to your Ganesha idol with chocolate. Many connoisseurs and eco-enthusiasts are turning to edible chocolate ganesha for the festivity. You can either submerge this chemical free idol in water or dissolve it in milk as the festival concludes, and distribute it as prasad.