Things take time. Nature moves at her own pace. Elephants move slow and gracefully... and so does Ganesha. 

In 2022, eCoexist will enter our 15th year of the Eco Ganesh campaign which we began in 2007. Our effort has been to remould a fresh perspective on the practise of Ganesh pooja - with a more conscious awareness of our ecological impacts.

From the ban on Plaster of Paris, to the revival of natural clay idols, and now further into paper mache, cow dung and red earth - we have watched the Ganesh festival slowly transform into a festival of love for all forms of Nature. Our idols and eco accessories have brought income to several artisans and womens groups, and our Gajanana campaign has appealed to the heart of Ganesh devotees to protect wild elephants. 

Now once again, we bring to you a beautiful range of hand crafted idols and accessories for Ganesh Chaturthi in 2022. 

So Plaster of Paris has been banned. What are the alternatives? Each of the alternatives have to be carefully considered as each has an impact - so its pros and cons need to be weighed. 

Natural clay is a non renewable resource that is mined and create its own ecological damage. So the next step is to ensure we reduce the use of this clay too..

RECYCLED CLAY - To counter the increase in use of natural clay that is expected when PoP is stopped, last year we launched a process of recollection and recycling of natural clay after the visarjan is complete. This will ensure that fresh stocks of clay are not mined and that a closed loop is created with the same clay. We have two designs this year made from such renewed clay - we call them the Punaravartan series.

This year , we are going to focus our efforts on expanding the recycling of natural clay - we will be setting up systems of collection, drying and processing the clay sludge to return it to the artisans and hence close the supply chain loop. 

RED EARTH - is soil taken from agricultural land that can easily be put back where it was taken from and retains its fertility as it is not baked. Plants and trees can be grown in this soil which is not as clayey in consistency. The concern here is that we should ensure that we do not use fertile top soil for sculpture... 

COW DUNG - Recently some artisans have started using cow dung for the Ganesh idols - this is a completely biodegradable material that also adds value to soil when it is immersed and put into a garden. 

PAPER MACHE - Paper mache is another material that is a good alternative to both PoP and Natural clay - it is used along with natural glues and can endure several years of use. When immersed in water it dissolves and the sludge is biodegradable. 

Here is another way to minimise your impact - go small! 

The idea that each year we need to have idols that are larger than the previous year leads to an increasing demand for large idols - larger idols are most appropriate for Sarvajanik community celebrations - but at home our miniature Ganeshas hand decorated will win your heart. 

In Hindu philosophy - it is not the physical size of the idol you worship but the largess of your heart that matters more ! As we reduce our dependence on the outer visible form - we start to sense the presence of Ganesh within ourselves. This also ensures that our rituals do not damage Nature!

From 10 May to 1 June we are offerring an EARLY BIRD discount of 5% for all Pre Orders recieved during this month. Your early orders will help us support the artisans with advances to help them continue the production process and reassure them of a market for their work. 

Use the Coupon Code earlybird5 when you place your order to get a 5% discount on your purchase!