Bengaluru apartments embrace eco-friendly Ganesha workshops
With Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner, apartment communities across Bengaluru are turning their courtyards and clubhouses into creative hubs by hosting clay idol-making workshops. The initiative, inspired largely by schools that have successfully run similar programs, is fostering community bonding while promoting an eco-friendly celebration of the festival.
In these workshops, residents are encouraged to mould their own Ganesha idols from natural clay, thereby reducing dependence on plaster of Paris (POP) idols that cause serious environmental harm when immersed in water bodies. Beyond nurturing creativity and teamwork, the move has opened new streams of income for traditional artisans who guide these sessions.
“It’s been two years since we introduced idol-making workshops at our apartment. The response has been overwhelming. Now, almost all families make their own Ganeshas for pooja instead of purchasing them,” said Neeraj Rai, a resident of G.R. Sagar Nivas, Akshaya Layout.
Many apartments report similar success stories, with children and adults alike participating enthusiastically. Organisers say the workshops have become more than just festive preparation—they serve as a platform for sustainable practices and cultural education.
The trend also reflects Bengaluru’s growing awareness of environmental responsibility. With civic authorities regularly urging citizens to opt for eco-friendly idols, these community-led initiatives are seen as a practical step toward reducing pollution during the festival. As more apartments adopt the model, Bengaluru appears to be setting an example for other cities on how tradition and sustainability can be celebrated hand in hand.
