Vadodara: For most devotees, clay idols had been the best replacements while seeking eco-friendly options so far for Ganpati idols. However, added to the list of green idols are the cow dung idols developed by artisans in Vadodara and Devgadh Baria in Dahod district. While these are definitely environment-friendly, the idols also dissolve much sooner and the residue turns into manure for the garden too!
While making large Ganesha idols using clay or other materials remains a challenging task, many installing small idols at individual homes are now looking out for greener options. The cow dung idols are much cheaper than the clay idols and are also available in the market and will not even pollute the ponds or water bodies either.
Mukesh Gupta from Vadodara, who has been promoting use of various items made from cow dung and urine, is busy making Ganpati idols these days. He expects to sell 4,000 to 4,500 idols this year.
“We started by making idols measuring six to eight inches three years ago. Gaining from that experience, we can now make idols that are around three feet in height. The prices are only a fraction of the cost of the PoP idols,” Gupta told TOI.
He added that his organisation employs women to make the idols to ensure that ‘fair’ employment.
“A tractor trolley load of cow dung comes for Rs 500 and can be used to prepare 25 to 30 idols. We make the idols using guar gum, milk, ghee and ‘gaumutra’ to make the cow dung idols,” he said. The idols are coloured using food colours,” Gupta said.
Rahul Dhariya from Devgadh Baria had been experimenting with cow dung to make various products for about a decade now. A couple of years ago, he was successful in making Ganpati idols and has also got machines designed in Rajkot to make these idols.
“PoP not only pollutes water, but also kills aquatic life. We make three inches, six inches and one foot idols. The three-inch idols are available throughout the year and the other two are made specially during Ganpati festival,” he said, adding that these idols are lighter than PoP and clay versions and also cheaper.
Dhariya uses natural resins to ensure that the dung binds properly and idols also get a desired finish.
“Cows are often seen as a liability when they do not give milk. Making such products and ensuring cow dung is bought from cattle owners as a raw material can ensure they earn some money even when cows are not giving milk,” he said.
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