Payal's Concern

Running across the by-lane, Payal’s eyes were magnetically drawn to a magnificent Ganpati idol ensconced in a sheltered pandal. It was beautifully decorated with flowers and lighting arrangements. The nine-year-old girl’s heart skipped a beat. She had heard so much about the environment damaging effect of Ganpati idols made of Plaster of Paris being immersed in the sea.

‘Would this beautiful Ganesha be one of them?’ she wondered.

Like other children of her age, she was bold and curious. She walked up to the priest who had just finished doing puja to the Lord.

“Uncle, can you tell me of what material this Lord Ganesha is made off?” she asked.

“I don’t know, child,” he replied. “But probably that man there would be able to tell you.” He pointed to a young man sporting a red T-shirt. “He is the one who is arranging everything.”

Payal approached that man. The crowd was not too much as it was afternoon time. 

“Uncle,” she called.

The man looked around hearing her voice. Seeing the young girl, he smiled.

“Yes dear,” he said. “Did you have Prasad?”

 “No Uncle,” she replied.

“Then here it is,” he said placing a laddoo in her small hands.

“Uncle, can I ask you something?”

“Yes, dear,” he said.

“Uncle, what material is this beautiful Ganesha made of?”

“Oh! You are one of those who have read up or heard a lot about eco-friendly Ganpati idols,” he said with a smile.

“Child, our Ganpati is made of paper and it is easily dissolvable in water,” so saying, he proceeded to guide her on her way out, as people were waiting for darshan behind her.

“I am happy you asked though,” he said. “It is necessary for younger people to know about the environment and how it can be saved from damage. This year most of the mandals in Mumbai are going for eco-friendly Ganpatis made of paper or mud which are equally beautiful. It is expensive though, more expensive than the Plaster of Paris ones. But it is worth the money and trouble because it does not damage the environment.”

Payal’s face mirrored the fleeting change of expression from concern to relief.