Opinion: Celebrating Ganeshotsav; where are we loosing our way?

Ganesh Chaturthi, a major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is marked by vibrant festivities and cultural displays. However, the celebrations sometimes take on less admirable dimensions that reflect poorly on the event’s cultural and environmental ethos.

One of the most glaring issues is the use of eco-unfriendly materials in the construction of Ganesh idols. Traditionally, idols were made from clay and natural materials, allowing them to dissolve harmlessly in water. However, in contemporary practices, many idols are crafted from plaster of Paris and painted with toxic colors. When these idols are immersed in water at the end of the festival, they release harmful chemicals into the environment, which can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and water quality.

Another troubling aspect of the festival is the excessive noise pollution created by loudspeakers and amplified music. During Ganesh Chaturthi, streets are filled with blaring music, bursting fireworks, and drumbeats, often continuing late into the night.

This cacophony not only disrupts the peace of local residents but also negatively impacts both human health and the natural environment. Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels can cause hearing loss, increase stress levels, and disturb sleep patterns, which is a significant concern for many people living in urban areas.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, some people play uncultured or inappropriate songs. Instead of traditional devotional music, these songs often feature loud, noisy, or even vulgar content, which can disrupt the peace of the community and overshadow the festival's religious essence. The focus on such entertainment can lead to disturbances and detract from the solemnity and respect that the occasion traditionally demands.

Additionally, the festival sometimes sees a lack of respect for public spaces and property. Celebrants often leave behind a considerable amount of litter, including plastic waste, leftover food, and other debris.

The sight of streets and public areas littered with trash diminishes the aesthetic value of the celebrations and poses a challenge for municipal sanitation workers. The careless disposal of waste also contributes to broader environmental problems, such as pollution and the clogging of drainage systems.

The commercialization of Ganesh Chaturthi is another problematic trend. In many places, the festival has become heavily commercialized, with a focus on grand displays and extravagant decorations rather than spiritual or cultural enrichment.

This shift often leads to a competition among different groups and communities to showcase the most opulent and ostentatious displays, overshadowing the festival’s original spiritual significance. The emphasis on consumerism rather than devotion can dilute the festival’s cultural integrity and promote unsustainable practices.

Moreover, the fervor of the celebrations can sometimes lead to dangerous behavior. In some instances, devotees engage in reckless acts such as scaling dangerous heights to install or retrieve idols, or participating in hazardous processions. These actions pose significant safety risks and can result in accidents or injuries, which undermine the festive spirit and raise concerns about public safety.

In summary, while Ganesh Chaturthi is a time for joy and cultural expression, the festival’s darker aspects—such as environmental harm, noise pollution, public disorder, commercialization, and safety hazards—reflect a departure from its traditional values and principles. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from both organizers and participants to foster a more sustainable, respectful, and meaningful celebration.

READ MORE :- Ultimate Guide to Ganesh Chaturthi: Muhurat, Checklist, and Puja details