Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Youth Promotes Clay Ganesha Idols for Greener Celebrations
Srikanth Chary wants people to celebrate Vinayaka Chavithi without harming nature.
For 17 years, he has promoted Ganesha idols made from clay.
He started this work in 2010 while he was studying engineering.
He was worried that Plaster of Paris idols could pollute water when immersed.
Srikanth works with skilled artisans from Kolkata to arrange hundreds of clay idols each year.
His brother Anil helps sell the idols in several places.
The work also gives traditional idol makers employment.
Srikanth says festivals should be celebrated in a way that protects water and the environment.
Srikanth Chary of Mahabubnagar has promoted clay Ganesha idols for 17 years.
He began the initiative in 2010 while studying first-year BTech.
His campaign responds to water pollution caused by immersing Plaster of Paris idols.
With artisans from Kolkata, he arranges hundreds of clay idols each year.
The idols are sold in Mahabubnagar, Gadwal and Kalwakurthi with support from his brother.
- Who
- Srikanth Chary, supported by his brother Anil Chary and artisans from Kolkata.
- What
- He promotes and sells environmentally friendly clay Ganesha idols as an alternative to Plaster of Paris idols.
- When
- The initiative began in 2010 and has continued for 17 years, with idols arranged every year.
- Where
- The idols are sold near the Shivashakti Nagar Shiva Temple in Mahabubnagar, beside Sunkulamettu Temple in Gadwal and in Kalwakurthi.
- Why
- To reduce water pollution from immersed Plaster of Paris idols and encourage environmentally responsible celebrations.
- Promoter
- Srikanth Chary
- Duration
- 17 years
- Start year
- 2010
- Idol material
- Clay
- Alternative to
- Plaster of Paris idols
- Annual activity
- Arranges hundreds of clay Ganesha idols
- Artisan location
- Kolkata