Malad Mandal Unveils 9.5-Foot Eco-Friendly Ganesha Idol Made From Sea Shells, Paper And Cardboard For Ganeshotsav

Mumbai's Shree Sai Darshan Mitra Mandal has unveiled a magnificent 9.5-foot Ganesha idol for this year's Ganeshotsav, marking its 17th year of merging environmental consciousness with religious devotion. The 100-kilogram idol was painstakingly crafted over 45 days by the mandal's own dedicated volunteer workforce, who chose to forgo commercial artisans.

The unique creation is composed entirely of sea shells, paper, and cardboard, replacing the traditional Plaster of Paris (PoP) material in line with the mandal's commitment to eco-friendly celebrations. Last year, the group opted for a Ganesha idol made from natural dry fruit shells—almond, pistachio, cashew, walnut, and macadamia—built on a paper-and-cardboard frame.

This year's sea shell design adds a striking visual spectacle to the pandal, which is situated adjacent to the Malad Subway in Malad West. The idol was first sculpted at a workshop before being brought to the pandal site, where members meticulously attached the shells to its surface. The shells used in this idol were sourced from Gujarat and are naturally colored.

Montu Ruia, a member of the Shree Sai Darshan Mitra Mandal, explained that the idol will disintegrate safely without causing harm to aquatic ecosystems during immersion at Marve Creek. The mandal continues to search for innovative raw materials to advance its eco-friendly celebrations, ensuring a sustainable approach to their Ganesha idol-making tradition.