Punekars turn to Seed Ganeshas for a green Ganeshotsav

As Ganeshotsav is right around the corner, get ready to dump tonnes of plaster idols in rivers, lakes, and seas, leaving behind trails of chemical colours and toxic residue, or not. A new tradition is taking root, quite literally. The

Seed Ganesha

movement, spearheaded by passionate individuals, is transforming a beloved tradition into a meaningful act of sustainability. Seed Ganesha idols are crafted from natural clay mixed with seeds, that dissolve into soil and bloom into plants. Sandeep Bhamkar, a film production designer and an organizer of workshops on Eco Ganesha idols, shares, “Our prayers and devotion should never harm the same environment we live in. Every year, I would see how plaster idols end up polluting our rivers and lakes, and it really disturbed me. That’s when I felt the need to find a better way. Something meaningful, where faith and sustainability could go hand in hand.”

The process itself invites everyone—from children to adults and even seniors—to partake in a joyful activity. For children, this is more than art, it’s seeing your product become a reason for change for future. “Their eyes light up when they learn their idol will sprout into a plant. That excitement keeps them fully engaged and proud,” Sandeep adds.

Unlike traditional plaster idols that dissolve poorly and leave a trail of harmful chemicals into water bodies that contaminate the source for weeks to come, Seed Ganesha disintegrates completely, enriching the soil instead of poisoning it. This has resonated strongly with communities ranging from housing societies to schools and temples, many of which now organize collective Seed Ganesha workshops. Radhika Kalia, MD of a Noida-based waste management service, observes, “Today when pollution has seeped into even our most sacred traditions, Seed Ganesha idols offer a profound solution, and honour faith while healing the planet. These living symbols of devotion remind us that environmental responsibility is the root of our ancient and glorious culture.”

For many first-timers, the decision to bring home an eco-friendly idol is deeply personal. Prasanna Kale, a 25-year-old resident of Pune, shares, “This year, we’re excited to get a Seed Ganesha, an Eco Ganpati idol. It’s wonderful to know that this celebration is not only about devotion but also making a positive difference for our society. Being part of something that respects nature while honoring our culture feels truly special.”“Our prayers and devotion should never harm the same environment we live in.”

— Sandeep Bhamkar, Eco Ganpati workshop organizer

“The Seed Ganesha is far more than just a symbol. It reflects environmental regeneration, preservation, and renewal while honoring tradition.”— Radhika Kalia, Waste Management Expert

Why Choose Seed Ganesha?