Panaji – The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has appealed to North Goa Collector R. Menaka (IAS) to impose a complete ban on the sale of PoP Ganesh idols and form a task force to strictly implement the ban. HJS has handed over a memorandum in this regard to the North Goa Collector R. Menaka (IAS). At this time HJS delegation was comprised of Mr. Gopal Bandiwad, Mr. Dayanand Malkarni, Mr. Raj Borker, Mr. Keshav Chodanker and Mrs. Pratibha Haldanker.
Memorandum futher says that, this year, Sree Ganesh Chaturthi is going to be celebrated on 2nd September. In spite of ban on sale of PoP idols it is found that PoP idols are available for sale in some parts of the State before Ganesh festival. Also it is found that PoP idols with outer finishing of clay are also sold in the market. It has been observed that this idols float in water after immersion. We request you to impose a complete ban on the sale of PoP Ganesh idols strictly, also to encourage idols made of Shadu clay in order to enable the worshipper to obtain maximum spiritual benefit and blessings of the deity. PoP idols with outer finishing of clay should also be banned in the state. As per the Science of Spirituality, Sree Ganesh idols made of Shadu clay or mud attract the deity’s principle optimally. Nowadays, idols are made from Plaster of Paris so that they become light weight and more attractive. There is a difference between idols made from mud and plaster of Paris. There are references in the Purans (mythological texts) that Ganapati was created from grime. Hence it is appropriate to use a Ganesh idol made of Shadu clay for ritualistic worship. The pure spiritual particles (pavitraks) of Ganapati get attracted to a greater extent towards an idol made of Shadu than to that made of plaster of Paris. We also wish to bring to your notice that nowadays, Sree Ganesh idols made of paper pulp are sold as an eco-friendly initiative. This is against the Science of Spirituality; also the paper pulp causes water pollution and the colours used therein cause chemical pollution. In contrast, the idols made of Shadu clay do not cause any environmental pollution. Also it is imperative to form a task force comprising members of officials from Environment Department, State Pollution Control Board, Excise, Commercial tax Department and Police to monitor import and sale of PoP idols in the state.
