Mumbai witnessed a substantial shift towards eco-friendly celebrations on the fifth day of the Ganpati Visarjan, with 38% of the total 38,717 idols immersed in artificial ponds set up across the city. This trend reflects a growing awareness among devotees regarding the environmental impact of traditional immersion practices. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that out of the total idols immersed, 37,569 were household Ganpatis, 1,095 were from sarvajanik mandals, and 53 were Hartalika idols.
Maharashtra is currently in the midst of its most beloved festival, the 10-day Ganpati Utsav, which began on September 7. Devotees across the state welcomed Lord Ganesha with grandeur, installing idols in their homes and at numerous public mandals. In Mumbai alone, over 2,500 registered sarvajanik mandals and countless smaller utsav mandals have been actively participating in the celebrations. Following the 1.5-day Ganpati Visarjan on Sunday, the fifth day of the festival saw a significant number of immersions. According to BMC data, 38,717 idols were immersed on Wednesday. The breakdown includes 37,569 household Ganpatis, 1,095 from sarvajanik mandals, and 53 Hartalika idols, which had been installed on the fourth day of the festival.
To mitigate environmental damage caused by the immersion of idols in natural water bodies, the government, along with the BMC, has been actively encouraging eco-friendly visarjan practices. As part of these efforts, artificial ponds are installed across the city, providing an alternative to traditional immersion in natural water bodies such as lakes and seashores. On Wednesday, 14,880 idols—representing approximately 39.46% of all immersions—were immersed in artificial ponds. This includes 388 sarvajanik Ganpatis, 14,555 household Ganpatis, and 16 Hartalika idols. The remaining idols were immersed in natural water bodies.
The rise in artificial pond immersions this year underscores the increasing preference for eco-friendly practices among devotees. This shift is part of a broader movement to preserve Mumbai’s natural water bodies and promote sustainable festival celebrations. The move towards artificial ponds has been gaining momentum over the years, with more and more citizens acknowledging the need to protect the environment. The trend of immersing Ganpati idols in artificial ponds reflects a larger shift in societal attitudes toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. As the Ganpati festival continues, the preference for eco-friendly practices is expected to grow, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable celebration of the revered deity.
The BMC’s initiative to provide artificial ponds, combined with public awareness campaigns, has been instrumental in driving this change. While traditional immersions continue at natural spots, the steady increase in artificial pond usage indicates a promising future for environmentally-conscious festival celebrations. With a notable rise in eco-friendly visarjans, Mumbai is taking steps towards sustainable celebrations. As the city honours its beloved deity, the growing trend of using artificial ponds is a testament to the evolving consciousness of Mumbaikars, who are increasingly embracing practices that safeguard the environment.
