History of Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in India
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the start of the Hindu festive season in India, with Maharashtra hosting the most prominent celebrations. The festival is also observed in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Celebrating the birth of Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom and prosperity, Ganesh Chaturthi combines religious devotion, cultural expression, and social unity. Historically, it gained significance under Maratha ruler Shivaji for fostering nationalism against Mughal rule and was revived by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893 as a symbol of Indian identity and resistance during British rule. Today, it is celebrated with enthusiasm across India and globally.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival starting on the fourth day of Bhadrapada (August-September). It begins with the installation of elaborately decorated Ganesha idols in homes and public spaces. Key rituals include pran-pratishtha, which infuses the idol with divine energy, and shodashopachara, the 16 offerings made to Ganesha. Rituals involve chanting hymns, applying sandalwood paste, and offering flowers, coconut, jaggery, and 21 modaks (sweet dumplings). The festival concludes with a grand procession where the idols are immersed in local rivers, lakes, or seas, symbolizing Ganesha’s return to his celestial home, Mount Kailash.
Pollution caused by Ganesh Visarjan in water bodies
The problems observed after immersion of the idols, in the recent years include:
- Water Pollution: Traditional idols made from plaster of Paris (PoP) are non-biodegradable and pollute water, damaging aquatic ecosystems.
- Harm to Marine Life: PoP idols harm marine life by increasing water’s corrosive properties and making it uninhabitable for aquatic species.
- Health Risks to Humans: The pollution caused by non-biodegradable idols contaminates water, leading to potential health issues and infections for people.
- Use of Harmful Materials: Traditional idols often contain toxic colors and fake decorations, posing additional health risks to humans and the environment.
In Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, Ganesh Chaturthi contributes significantly to water pollution due to the immersion of idols made from Plaster of Paris (PoP) and painted with toxic dyes. After the festivities, these idols, along with milk packets, coconut remains, and other prayer materials, are discarded on the beaches. This pollution degrades the environment and harms marine life, as evidenced by incidents like the mass deaths of turtles and fish on Mumbai’s Dadar and Juhu beaches in 2018. The PoP and harmful paints, containing lead, aluminum, chromium, and copper, release toxic substances into the water, which are detrimental to aquatic creatures.
The environmental damage extends beyond water pollution; the large volume of waste left on beaches, including plastic and remnants of offerings, creates an unsightly mess and poses further risks. This waste not only affects the aesthetics of the beaches but also contributes to the choking of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The combination of toxic materials and garbage from the festival has severe implications for wildlife and the overall health of coastal and marine environments.
Efforts to reduce pollution from immersion of idols into water bodies after Ganesh Chaturthi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a speech in Mumbai on September 7, 2019, emphasized the importance of reducing plastic and water pollution, particularly during the Ganesh Visarjan ritual, part of the 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Traditionally, idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) are immersed in water, causing long-term pollution and harming aquatic life by reducing oxygen levels. To combat this, many people are opting for eco-friendly alternatives. Celebrities like Riteish Deshmukh and Dia Mirza have promoted the use of clay idols, encouraging a shift back to environmentally responsible practices to protect water bodies and the planet.
Mumbai:
As of 6 a.m. on September 29, 2023, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that 39,235 Ganesh idols had been immersed in Mumbai. This included 6,601 sarvajanik (public) idols and 32,190 Gharguti (household) idols, along with 444 Gauri idols. To reduce water pollution, 11,097 idols were immersed in artificial lakes created by the BMC. Notable participants in a clean-up drive at Juhu beach included BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, and Bollywood actors Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar.
New Delhi:
Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Puja festivals in 2023, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) prohibited idol immersion in the Yamuna and other water bodies, imposing fines of Rs 50,000 on violators. Local civil bodies were instructed to create temporary immersion sites or artificial ponds near residential areas. Strict monitoring was mandated for vehicles transporting prohibited idols, with fines for non-compliance ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,00,000. The DPCC emphasized eco-friendly practices, such as the use of clay idols and designated immersion sites. Public awareness campaigns and water quality assessments were also initiated to ensure environmental safety.
Bengaluru:
In 2023, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) designated 38 lakes and deployed 418 mobile tanks for the immersion of Ganesha idols during the festival. The BBMP enforced a ban on Plaster of Paris idols, requiring only clay idols to be used. Organizers had to apply for permits through 63 single-window clearance centres, and nodal officers were appointed to oversee the festival in each sub-division. These measures were taken to ensure eco-friendly celebrations across the city.