Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Thane Youth Craft Eco-Friendly Ganpati Decor from Natural Materials
Ganesh Chaturthi decorations are often made from materials that create a lot of waste.
Heramb Art in Thane is trying a different approach.
Hearing- and speech-impaired young people are making decorations from natural and reused materials.
These materials include bamboo, wood, cardboard, lace and tassels.
They create small shrines, temples, thrones, swings and frames.
The work lets them use their creativity and earn money.
It also helps reduce plastic and thermocol waste after the festival.
The project shows that celebrations can be beautiful while caring for nature and supporting people.
Thane-based Heramb Art is employing hearing- and speech-impaired youth to make sustainable Ganpati decorations.
The initiative replaces thermocol and plastic with bamboo, wood, cardboard, lace and tassels.
The artisans create shrines, temples, thrones, swings and Gauri-Ganpati frames.
Heramb Art says the project helps reduce festival waste while providing dignified wages and artistic opportunities.
Founder Kailas Desale said the initiative aims to combine environmental protection with financial independence for the youth.
- Who
- Thane-based Heramb Art and hearing- and speech-impaired youth, led by founder Kailas Desale.
- What
- They are creating sustainable makhar, or Ganpati deity frames, and other festive decorations.
- When
- As preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi gather momentum across Maharashtra.
- Where
- Thane, Maharashtra.
- Why
- To reduce plastic and thermocol waste from festival decorations while creating livelihood opportunities for specially-abled youth.
- Organization
- Heramb Art
- Founder
- Kailas Desale
- Participants
- Hearing- and speech-impaired youth
- Primary materials
- Bamboo, wooden slats, cardboard, decorative lace and vibrant tassels
- Products
- Mini devharas, handcrafted temples, thrones, swings and Gauri-Ganpati frames
- Environmental goal
- Reduce reliance on non-biodegradable thermocol and plastic
- Social goal
- Provide artistic opportunities, wages and a path toward financial independence