An artisan giving final touches to a Vinayagar idol in Dindigul on Wednesday, for sale for the upcoming Vinayaka Chathurthi festival.
| Photo Credit: G. KARTHIKEYAN
The Dindigul District Administration has urged the public to celebrate the Vinayaka Chathurthi festival by immersing the idols only in the places notified for the purpose and by following the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).According to the press release, the idols made of natural, biodegradable, eco-friendly raw materials without any toxic, inorganic raw materials, Plaster of Paris or thermocol (polystyrene) alone would be permitted for immersion in the waterbodies.Only dried flowers, straw, etc, would be allowed to make ornaments for the idols, and natural resins of trees could be used for polishing them. The use of single-use plastic and thermocol was strictly prohibited. Eco-friendly materials should be used in making or decorating idols, pandals and tazias to prevent pollution of waterbodies.Use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes or oil paints was strictly prohibited. Enamel and synthetic dye-based paints used to decorate the idols should be discouraged. For the beautification of the idols, removable and washable decorative clothes made of natural materials and dyes should be used in place of disposable materials.Vinayaka idols should be immersed only in the waterbodies where it was notified for the purpose, the press release said. The Dindigul District Administration urged the public to celebrate the Vinayaka Chathurthi festival in an eco-friendly manner. Published - September 03, 2026 10:34 pm IST
