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Sarkar Ganesh Utsav in the News

Sarkar Ganesh Utsav's eco-friendly initiatives have caught the attention of national and regional media. Times of India, Dainik Bhaskar, and other publications have covered our sustainability efforts. Here is a look at our featured coverage.

Times of India: A Towering Tissue-Paper Bappa Sends Green Message

Times of India featured Sarkar Ganesh Utsav's 16-foot Ganesh idol, crafted entirely from tissue paper and weighing just 350 kg. According to the article, mandap member Anup Rajput explained that the idol simply dissolves when water is sprinkled on it, eliminating the need for a traditional immersion procession and reducing unnecessary expenses. A dedicated water pipeline was installed at the mandap to enable this process.

 

A towering tissue-paper Bappa sends green message in Surat.

Surat: City's Ganesh mandaps are wearing a greener look this year, with many organizers opting for clay idols and immersions within the mandap itself instead of in natural water bodies. Smaller idols that can be easily dissolved in tubs or tanks have become the norm, reflecting the city's growing eco-consciousness.

But in City Light, the Sarkar Ganesh Utsav group has gone the other way creating a spectacle that is both grand and gentle on the planet. At their mandap, a 16-foot idol of Lord Ganesha rises tall, but unlike the heavy clay or plaster of paris versions, this one is made entirely of tissue paper. Weighing just 350 kg, the idol was specially crafted in Mumbai to meet eco-friendly norms before being brought to Surat.

"All we need to do is sprinkle water, and the idol will slowly melt away. There's no need for a procession, which also helps avoid unnecessary expenses," said Anup Rajput, a member of Sarkar Ganesh Utsav, the group behind the installation.
To ensure hassle-free immersion, the organizers have laid a water pipeline at the mandap to gently dissolve the idol.


Read full article on Times of India →
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/

 

Dainik Bhaskar: Gujarat's Largest Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idol

Dainik Bhaskar recognized Sarkar Ganesh Utsav's idol as Gujarat's largest eco-friendly Ganesh idol, standing 16 feet tall and 6 feet wide, made from 350 kg of tissue paper. The idol was crafted by 15 artisans from Mumbai over the course of a month, with enough precision to resemble a traditional murti. The article notes that the idea originated with Sagar Rajput, who envisioned an eco-friendly alternative after observing the ban on POP idol immersions in Mumbai.

Gujarat’s largest eco-friendly Ganesh idol made in Surat:350 kg tissue paper used by Mumbai artisans; to be immersed in artificial lake

To promote an eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav, Surat’s ‘Sarkar Ganesh Utsav’ committee has made Gujarat’s largest eco-friendly Ganesh idol using 350 kg of tissue paper. Standing 16 feet tall and 6 feet wide, it was crafted in one month by 15 Mumbai artisans with such precision that it looks like a regular idol, complete with detailed ornaments and posture. The idol reflects both devotees’ faith and rising awareness of environmental conservation.

Idea came after ban on POP idol immersion

  • This eco-friendly initiative is the idea of Sagar Rajput from 'Sarkar Ganesh Utsav' group. He said that during Ganesh festival in Mumbai, immersion of POP idols was banned.
  • After watching this video, we got the idea of making this eco-friendly Ganesh idol. Through this, we will be able to keep the tradition alive while also not harming the environment.

Read full article on Dainik Bhaskar →
https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/local/gujarat/surat/

Festival Highlights and Activities

Each year, Sarkar Ganesh Utsav's celebrations include bhajan sessions, evening Maha-Aarti ceremonies, the Chappan Bhog Darshan featuring 56 traditional dishes, Garba and Bharatnatyam performances, art exhibitions of eco-friendly idols, and workshops on making recycled idols from biodegradable materials. Artificial ponds are also used to support sustainable visarjan practices.




Ganesh Utsav celebrations in Surat are taking a greener turn this year, with many mandaps embracing eco-friendly idols, clay models, and onsite immersions to reduce environmental impact. While smaller, easily dissolvable idols in tubs and tanks have become common, one group in the City Light area has taken innovation to another level.The Sarkar Ganesh Utsav group has installed a 16-foot-tall Lord Ganesha idol made entirely of tissue paper, weighing just 350 kg. Specially crafted in Mumbai to meet eco-friendly standards, the idol was transported to Surat ahead of the festival.

“All we need to do is sprinkle water, and the idol will slowly melt away. There’s no need for a procession, which also helps avoid unnecessary expenses,” said Anup Rajput, a member of the organizing group. To ensure a smooth immersion, the mandap has even been fitted with a water pipeline, allowing the idol to dissolve gently at the venue itself.“We wanted the idol to be both attractive and unique, while also sending a clear eco-friendly message. Even a giant idol can be immersed right here without harming the environment,” Rajput added.




Activities

Bhajan Sessions: Soulful devotional singing by local artists and devotees, creating a serene spiritual atmosphere;Maha-Aarti: Grand aarti ceremonies held every evening, drawing large crowds and filling the air with chants and incense;Chappan Bhog Darshan: A lavish offering of 56 traditional dishes presented to Lord Ganesha, symbolizing abundance and devotion;Dance & Drama Performances: Local talent showcases traditional Garba, Bharatnatyam, and skits based on mythological stories;Art Exhibitions: Featuring eco-friendly Ganesh idols and creative installations made by school children and artists;Recycled Idol Making Workshops: Participants craft Ganesha idols using biodegradable materials like clay, coconut husk, and natural dyes;Sustainable Visarjan: Artificial ponds and awareness drives promote eco-friendly immersion practices