In the wake of rising environmental concern, prominent puja pandals of the Capital City have adopted ‘Eco-friendly’ themes where ample green products are being used in bedecking puja pandals and sculptures. From using natural colours in decoration to utilizing organic stuffs like earthen lights, bamboo sticks for beautifying the texture of pandals, this season, a few classic examples of eco-friendly art work will mesmerize the pandal hoppers.
Bharatiya Yuvak Sangh, Rajasthan Mitra Mandal, Kantatoli Durga Puja Samiti, Harmu Panch Mandir, Bandhgari, Satya Amar Lok considered being the city’s major attractions have switched from the traditional means to a green ways in a bid to protect the environment.
Amar Poddar, Secretary, Bharatiya Yuvak Sangh said that taking into account the condition of deteriorating water reservoirs, the organising body since 2011 is preparing a eco-friendly sculpture using natural stuffs like terracotta, bamboo grass and other natural products. “This year again, we have instructed the artists to use clay in a sufficient amount along with plaster of paris while designing the figurines. Mixed water- colour is being used for colouring the idols,” Poddar said.
Similarly, a member of organising committee of Rajasthan Mitra Mandal who are using organic materials in quite a huge amount said, “We are trying to use only eco-friendly stuffs in decoration since 2010. In yet another attempt, the designers will use mixed blend of organic stuffs like dried grasses, organic paints, colourful clay for interior and exterior decoration. The main sculptures of Goddess are also being decorated using green stuffs that are biodegradable,” said, Rajasthan Mitra Mandal Puja Club, president, Ashok Purohit.
Similarly, members of other Durga Puja Samitis like Satya Amar Lok and Harmu Panch Mandir have also adopted the green route to reduce contamination. A committee member of Satya Amar Lok said, “Following the decision of our committee members, use of plaster of paris, synthetic paints and other decorative stuffs have been minimized to a great extent. Considering this, the huge statuettes at our pandals is being made using only top soil and other recyclable stuffs. Earthen materials with a mix blend of green items will be used for beautification of pandal in heavy quantity, this year.”