Rise in Demand for Eco-Friendly Ganesha Idols

In recent years, the demand for eco-friendly Lord Ganesha idols in India has risen sharply, and several clear trends are visible. One of the most beloved festivals of Mumbai is Ganesh Chaturthi. It involves decorations and idols made up of plaster of Paris (PoP) that were later immersed in water bodies which harm environment. However, an increase in demand for eco friendly Ganpati idols reflects awareness of environmental sustainability and desire to celebrate their belief in an eco- conscious way.

Growing Preference for Clay Idols in Cities

In Mumbai and Pune, which are the biggest Ganesh Chaturthi markets, sales of clay and papier-mâché idols have nearly doubled as compared to last year. Artisans report that eco-friendly idols are now the first choice for many households, especially younger generations and environmentally aware families. Reports from Mumbai highlight a 15–20% drop in PoP idol sales, with eco-friendly alternatives filling the gap.

In Delhi-NCR, artisans have stopped making Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in large numbers because buyers increasingly demand clay or natural-fibre idols. Eco-friendly idols dominate sales despite being slightly more expensive. In cities like Hyderabad, white clay idols are in high demand even after the cost of such idols are higher in costs mainly due to lack of transport and material, suggesting that buyers value sustainability over price.

In Vijayawada local artisans now offer nearly 20 different types of eco-friendly idols, crafted from clay, jute bags, and Ganga mitti. Prices have risen by around 15% due to production costs, but devotees continue to prefer these idols. Many idols are painted with vegetable-based, chemical-free colours, making them both visually appealing and environmentally safe.

Why is this Transformation Undergoing?

Increased demand for green Ganesha idols is being fueled by a number of interconnected factors. People are increasingly becoming environment conscious, with more and more understanding how the plaster of Paris idols contaminate rivers, lakes, and seashores upon immersion. This awareness is nudging people to make a conscious transition towards clay and biodegradable material that disintegrate harmlessly in water. Parallely, civic authorities and government agencies have come in to aid this shift by providing clay, encouraging the use of natural pigments, and even installing artificial immersion ponds to reduce environmental impact. The consumers too are taking their part. Numerous young believers and eco-conscious families are now ready to pay a premium for idols that incorporate their value of sustainability. To match this need, craftsmen from all over India are embracing creativity by creating beautiful designs in papier-mâché, natural fibres, and clay so that not only are eco-friendly idols better for the environment but also beautiful, captivating, and culturally significant.

What will be the Future?

Analysts note that if this trend continues, eco-friendly idols could make up 70 to 80% of the total Ganesh idol market within the next 3 to 4 years, replacing environmentally harmful PoP idols almost entirely.