VIJAYAWADA — With just hours to go before Vinayaka Chaturthi begins, the air in this bustling city hums with a different kind of devotion. Not just faith, but a growing consciousness. Clay Ganesh idols, once a niche preference, are flying off makeshift stalls and workshop floors as families, schools, and even large pandal organizers pivot toward a more sustainable celebration.

Key facts

  • Clay idol demand is rising in Vijayawada due to environmental advocacy.
  • NGOs and schools have hosted idol-making competitions in recent days.
  • Some artists and families report clay shortages after heavy rainfall.
  • Free distribution of clay idols is being arranged at certain centers.

A Movement Gathers Momentum

Environmentalists and NGOs have been tireless this season, amplifying a simple message: clay idols, unlike those made from plaster of Paris, chemical colors, and metal frames, dissolve harmlessly in water. Their campaigns have clearly struck a chord. Across neighborhoods like Ayodhya Nagar, Bhavanipuram, and Ibrahimpatnam, artists are racing to keep up with orders.

“There is a need to do puja with clay idols to prevent pollution of rivers and canals. Idols made of plaster of Paris, colours, and iron rods are polluting canals,” said Class X student P. Srivatsa, who was preparing clay Ganesh idols for a competition.

Artists and Supply Challenges

For local artisans like Bhagavat, the surge is both a blessing and a whirlwind. “Even the pandal organisers are buying clay idols this year,” he noted on Saturday, amidst finishing touches on a delicate sculpture. But the enthusiasm has its complications. Recent heavy rainfall has made clay scarce, leaving some scrambling. P. Suryanarayana of Krishnalanka voiced a common frustration: “We are searching for clay as my daughter, Ravali, has been insisting on doing puja with a clay idol only.”

Community Efforts Take Root

It isn’t just about buying—it’s about building momentum. Schools and NGOs have hosted clay idol-making competitions, embedding the eco-message in hands-on creativity. And in a heartening show of collective spirit, some groups are organizing free distributions of clay idols, ensuring that the shift toward sustainability includes everyone.