Hyderabad embraces eco-friendly Ganesh idols

Hyderabad is witnessing growing demand for eco-friendly Ganesh idols ahead of Vinayaka Chaturthi. Despite rising clay, PoP and labour costs, artisans continue production. More than 4,500 RWAs are reportedly opting for clay idols, while overseas demand is also increasing.

Hyderabad: This Vinayaka Chaturthi festive season, Hyderabad has seen a collective push for eco-friendly idols, reflecting a citywide focus on sustainability while maintaining festive joy.

Hundreds of workshops across Hyderabad are abuzz with activity as towering stacks of Ganesh idols take centre stage. With the festival just five days away, sales have peaked, drawing massive crowds of devotees eager to bring home their deity.

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Despite the idols becoming significantly more expensive, idol manufacturers are bearing rising costs linked to labour shortages and inflation while continuing to craft thousands of idols in clay as well as Plaster of Paris (PoP).

Raw material costs for PoP have surged, pushing idol prices up by as much as 35% compared to last year, according to idol makers in Dhoolpet. Speaking to ‘Telangana Today’, they said a 15 ft Ganesh idol which was priced at Rs 1.20 lakh last year is now being sold for Rs 1.65 lakh.

Despite skyrocketing costs of natural clay and organic pigments, traditional artisans in hubs such as Dhoolpet and other parts of the city said they are continuing the eco-friendly essence of Hyderabad’s festive soul by making idols based on orders received from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and from government agencies, including HMDA, TGPCB and other civic bodies.

Clay Ganesh idols are also in demand from devotees in countries including the US and UK, according to a maker who has been in the business for the past decade. He said bulk orders were received two months in advance and idols are crafted according to the requested height and sent to customers abroad.

RWAs support eco-friendly Ganesh idols:

By deliberately shunning PoP and harmful chemical dyes, more than 4,500 RWAs across Hyderabad have united to promote an eco-conscious approach to Ganesh Chaturthi.

“The RWAs have chosen to celebrate the festival with 100% clay idols, aligning our observances with environmentally responsible practices and positioning the move as community-led action towards greener celebrations,” according to a few RWAs.