In view of Vinayaka Chaturthi, the district administration has issued guidelines on permissible materials for making idols of the deity for immersion.According to a press release, only idols made up of natural, bio-degradable and eco-friendly raw materials without any toxic inorganic materials will be permitted for safe immersion in waterbodies.The use of Plaster of Paris and thermocol is prohibited. Only dried flower components and straw may be used for making ornaments of idols, and natural resins of trees may be used to add shine to the idols.The use of single-use plastics and thermocol shall not be permitted and eco-friendly materials such as straw should be used for structure or decoration of idols. The use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes and oil paints for painting idols should be prohibited.For beautification of idols, removable and washable decorative clothes made only of natural materials and natural dyes shall be used instead of materials containing paints and other toxic chemical.The idols from Agasteeswaram taluk should be immersed at Kanniyakumari, Chothavilai and Sanguthurai beaches. Those from Thovalai taluk at Pallikondan dam, Kalkulam at Chinnavilai and Vettumadai beaches, Killiyoor at Midalam and Thengaipattinam beaches, Thiruvattar at Thirparappu falls and Vilavancode at Thamirabarani river. Published - September 06, 2026 08:07 pm IST