Thane Breaks 37-Year-Old Tradition, Embraces Eco-Friendly Navratri Celebrations

Thane, October 9, 2026 - Thane has taken a historic step towards eco-friendly celebrations by moving away from the 37-year-old tradition of using Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols during Navratri. Local organisers are now embracing innovative, sustainable materials to create a 10-foot-tall idol of Goddess Lakshmi. This change marks a significant shift from the conventional clay or eco-friendly alternatives that were previously considered too heavy.

Artisan Mangesh Pandit has successfully developed a 10-foot-tall idol using a mixture of pulverised cardboard packaging waste, Shadu clay, and edible gum. This eco-conscious alternative is not only lightweight but also biodegradable, proving that large-scale public idols can be both environmentally safe and structurally convenient.

The Kopari Young Boys Sports Mandal is leading this green initiative, breaking a 37-year-old ritual and registering to install the eco-friendly idol this year. This move comes after a successful eco-friendly Ganeshotsav, and the community hopes to expand environmental consciousness throughout Navratri celebrations.