By SHEFA RAFI
With a view to keep the environment clean and green, the Hindu brethren are more keen to celebrate Ganesh Chathurthi in an eco-friendly way. Quite interestingly, Ganesha idols made of clay, coconut husk, nine types of grains (Navadhanya), palm leaves and darbha grass are much in demand in Coimbatore as Kovaiites are more eco conscious.
This is mainly due to consistent awareness events on environmental protection conducted all through the year by NGOs, NSS students from colleges spread across the city besides district administration. Events like distribution of handouts, enacting street plays, art competition and elocution contest on environmental protection made an impact among the residents. Moreover, the need to safeguard the environment more so the waterbodies from getting polluted is more among Coimbatoreans.
Ganesha idols made of navadhanya seeds after being taken in procession and immersed in waterbodies sprout to turn into plants thereby creating a green atmosphere in the waterbodies. It is interesting to note that eco friendly Ganesha idols containing ‘navadhanya’ (nine auspicious grains) have become not only unique but much sought-after by Kovaiites.
Sources pointed out that the idols made of nine different grains naturally turn into feed for aquatic creatures when the idols are immersed. And the fresh sprouts also turn into feed for birds and other creatures. Making of Ganesha idols using plaster of paris has become a thing of the past following intensive campaigns on eco protection. And craftsmen too now use clay replacing plaster of paris as part of environmental protection initiative.
Meanwhile, the Coimbatore district administration conducted a peace meet at the collectorate with Deputy Commissioner of Police, Law & Order Dr L Balaji Saravanan and DRO Ramadurai Murugan chairing the meet with Muslim outfits and different jamaaths in connection with peaceful conduct of Chathurthi procession. The Muslim jamaath representatives and outfits at the meet have expressed their desire for ensuring peaceful Chathurthi procession.
Kovai Metro wishes its readers good luck, good fortune, wealth and prosperity.
