Eco-friendly Ganesha idols draw crowds in Katni as devotees favor clay, bamboo and wood

Katni, Madhya Pradesh – As the annual Ganesh festival approaches, a noticeable shift has emerged among worshippers who are increasingly selecting idols crafted from natural materials such as clay, bamboo and wood. The move reflects growing environmental awareness and a desire to reduce the ecological impact traditionally associated with plaster and chemical-based statues.

Local artisans have responded to this demand by preparing a range of eco-friendly Ganesha figures that are being displayed in markets across the city. The handcrafted idols have not only resonated with Katni residents but have also begun to draw interest from devotees traveling from other districts, who are looking for sustainable alternatives for their celebrations.

Organisers of the festival have welcomed the trend, noting that the use of biodegradable materials aligns with broader efforts to promote greener practices during religious events. The shift toward natural idols is expected to continue as more worshippers seek environmentally responsible ways to honor the deity.

The growing popularity of these eco-friendly statues underscores a broader cultural shift toward sustainability in Indian religious observances, with Katni emerging as a focal point for this movement during the Ganesh festivities.