Ganesh Chaturthi is more than just a festival in Goa; it's a vibrant celebration that brings together communities in joy, devotion, and culture.
The state comes alive with colourful processions, the sweet fragrance of modaks wafting through the air, and the sound of dhol-tasha resonating from every corner. However, amidst the fervour and festivities, there’s a growing consciousness towards celebrating in a way that preserves the natural beauty of Goa's pristine beaches.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa, locally known as 'Chovoth,' is celebrated with deep-rooted traditions that have been passed down through generations. Unlike in some other parts of India, where celebrations are grand and large-scale, Goans prefer to keep it a more intimate family affair. Most households set up a Ganesh idol in their home, which is worshipped with elaborate rituals, delicious homemade sweets, and joyous gatherings of friends and family.
While the celebrations are heartwarming, the aftermath often tells a different story. Every year, numerous Ganesh idols, often made of plaster of Paris (PoP) and painted with harmful chemicals, are immersed in the sea or rivers, leaving behind a trail of environmental damage.
Goa’s beaches, renowned for their stunning beauty, bear the brunt of this practice. These idols take years to disintegrate, releasing toxic substances that harm marine life and disrupt the ecological balance.
Plastic decorations, synthetic garlands, and non-biodegradable materials further add to the waste, turning serene shores into dumping grounds. The celebration, intended to honor the remover of obstacles, unintentionally creates new ones for our environment.
The good news is that the tide is turning. There is a growing movement among Goans and people across the country to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly manner, ensuring that devotion does not come at the cost of the environment.
Here's what we can collectively do to turn this celebration
1. Invest in Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols:
Instead of idols made of PoP, opt for those crafted from natural clay, coconut, paper mache, or even plantable seed Ganeshas. These materials dissolve easily in water, leaving no harmful residues. Moreover, clay idols have a significant cultural significance in Goa, where tradition meets sustainability.
2. Use Natural Decorations:
Replace plastic and synthetic decorations with eco-friendly alternatives such as flowers, banana leaves, and cloth. Organic rangoli colors and handwoven garlands can add a traditional yet environmentally friendly touch to your celebrations.
3. Immersion Alternatives:
Consider immersing smaller idols in a bucket or tub at home, which can be reused for gardening. Many communities in Goa now provide designated artificial immersion tanks that prevent contamination of natural water bodies. Utilizing these can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the festival.
4. Promote Beach Clean-ups:
Participate in or organize beach clean-up drives post-immersion. In recent years, many local organizations and volunteers in Goa have come together to clean up the beaches after the festivities. This collective effort can set a powerful example for others to follow.
Saving Goa’s beaches during Ganesh Chaturthi, or any festival for that matter, requires more than just individual action; it needs collective consciousness and planned thinking:
1. Awareness Campaigns:
Educate the community about the harmful effects of traditional idols and encourage eco-friendly alternatives through workshops, social media campaigns, and community meetings. Highlight the importance of protecting Goa's fragile ecosystem.
2. Government and Community Initiatives:
Local authorities can enforce regulations on the use of non-biodegradable materials and promote sustainable practices. Offering incentives for communities and artisans who create eco-friendly idols can foster a significant change in mindset.
3. Support Local Artisans:
Encouraging and investing in local artisans who craft eco-friendly idols can be a win-win situation. Not only does this support the local economy, but it also fosters a sense of community while promoting sustainable celebrations.
4. Responsible Tourism:
Visitors who come to experience Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa should be mindful of their waste. Carry reusable bags, avoid single-use plastics, and participate in local clean-up drives. Remember, as guests of Goa, we must respect its natural beauty.
5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
Follow the basic principles of sustainability even during the festive season. Opt for reusable plates and cutlery during gatherings, minimize waste, and segregate garbage to ensure it is disposed of responsibly.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of life, new beginnings, and the removal of obstacles. Let’s make a conscious choice to celebrate in a way that honors both Lord Ganesha and Mother Earth.
By investing in eco-friendly practices and spreading awareness, we can ensure that Goa's beaches remain as pristine and beautiful as ever, for generations to come.
This Ganesh Chaturthi, let’s come together not just in celebration, but in our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Goa. After all, true devotion is not only about rituals but also about being mindful of the world around us.
Ganpati Bappa Morya, Let’s Go Green, Let’s Save Our Blues of Goa!