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When big is not better
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The rationale for having bigger, taller and higher Ganeshas is in question
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size does matter A tiny idol of Ganesha created from stones and pebbles
It’s that time of the year again when we can expect to see Ganesh idols in all colours and sizes – some gigantic in fluorescent shades, others sporting cricket bats and cell phones. But in this big, bigger, biggest race are we missing som
ething? The very festival that was made more social by freedom fighters like Bal Gangadhar Tilak by bringing gods from temples to mingle with the masses to foster nationalism, has been blown out of proportion and with what purpose?
For instance, the end product of 20,000 idols is approximately 7,000 tons of plaster of paris 150 tons of iron and 50 tons of wood. The original clay idol replaced by POP contains gypsum, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium. Natural dyes substituted by chemical dyes are made up of mercury, cadmium, lead and carbon. Simple poojas have been elaborated to include entertainment to the beat of blaring popular movie tracks. The decorations and the paraphernalia that go into it pollutesoil, air and water.
Studies conducted by the pollution control authorities show that significant stress (pollution) is put on rivers, lakes and ponds. The annual immersion has reduced the depth of the Hussain Sagar from 60 feet to 40 feet. Some of the thoughts were provoked by Matrusri E & L School, Nallakunta, through the Campaign for an Eco-friendly Ganesh Festival.
The students concluded that “Small natural clay idols can be easily immersed in a tub of water and this water can be used to water the plants. This ensures that all that comes from the earth goes back to the earth without causing any pollution. The enormous funds that are generated could be used for the worthy cause of the physically challenged or the less privileged.”
Perhaps it’s an auspicious time to offer our reverence to the Remover of Obstacles in an informed and responsible manner rather than place challenges before Him!!!
PADMINI B PATELL
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Puducherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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