India prepares for eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations

Preparations are underway across India for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, with a significant emphasis on eco-friendly practices and municipal organization. In Bhubaneswar, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned for approximately 420 puja pandals. Mayor Sulochana Das has urged committees to ensure plastic-free celebrations, and the city will implement measures such as banning DJ music and laser lights during immersion, providing temporary immersion ponds, and managing traffic and electricity supply.

Nationwide, there is a growing trend toward sustainable celebrations. Consumers are increasingly opting for herbal, chemical-free products, such as flower-petal incense sticks and pure Bhimseni camphor, to avoid respiratory irritation. Experts recommend using natural clay idols and non-toxic colors to protect the environment during the immersion process (visarjan).

To manage the festive period, dietitians suggest balancing traditional sweets like modaks with nutrient-dense foods to maintain health. Meanwhile, the commercial market is seeing a rise in demand for ‘all-in-one’ ready-made puja kits and handmade cotton decorations, despite a 10% to 15% increase in prices due to rising raw material and transport costs.