As the city of Mumbai celebrates Ganeshotsav with great fervour, one mandal in Vile Parle has drawn significant attention for its innovative approach to the festival. Bal Gopal Mitra Mandal, a community group established in 1989, has installed a 23-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesha made entirely from recycled materials – used flowers from temples and tissue paper – showcasing their commitment to environmental sustainability.
This unique idol, named ‘Mumbaicha Peshwa’, stands out for its creative construction and eco-friendly message. The sculpture is mounted on a palanquin carried by four ‘mushaks’ (mice), adding to its artistic appeal. The mandal, known for its distinctive themes, has been promoting eco-friendly practices for 17 years, avoiding traditional materials that often end up polluting lakes and ponds after immersion. A committee member highlighted their motivation for this year’s creation, expressing concern over the environmental impact of conventional idols. “It is disheartening to witness the condition of water bodies post-immersion,” he stated, underlining the necessity of adopting sustainable materials.
The use of temple flowers and tissue paper in crafting the Ganesh idol aims to reduce the ecological footprint of the festival while preserving its cultural essence. The idol has been sculpted by seasoned artisans, Digambar Mayekar and Rajesh Digambar Mayekar, who have skilfully transformed waste materials into a magnificent work of art. By integrating creative elements and repurposing discarded items, the mandal sets an example for other community groups to follow. Beyond environmental advocacy, Bal Gopal Mitra Mandal has incorporated a social message into their celebrations.
This year, the focus is on raising awareness about cybercrime. Through a series of plays and performances, the group aims to educate the public, especially those who are less informed about the dangers of online scams. “People, particularly those with limited digital literacy, are often targets of cyber fraud. Our goal is to inform and protect our community,” added the committee member. The initiative is not only gaining traction among locals but also setting a precedent for future Ganeshotsav celebrations across Mumbai. By combining artistry with social consciousness, Bal Gopal Mitra Mandal continues to inspire change and advocate for responsible celebration practices. As the city embraces this year’s festivities, the mandal’s efforts to promote sustainability and cyber awareness may well become a benchmark for others.
