When we analyse the immersing of idols in water during Ganesha Chaturthi, it can be seen from different dimensions or angles such as spiritually, constitutionally, economically, etc.
The spiritual point of view
The practice of immersing Ganesha idols in water has a beautiful significance. Traditionally, the idol was made up of clay, and when immersed in water, it disintegrates - from form to formless. This symbolises the temporary nature of all worldly forms. Our bodies too will one day be burned or buried.
Thus, immersing the clay idol of Ganesha in a river or lake reminds us not to be attached to form, and instead turn our minds towards the essence or substance of things. This is the idea behind immersing Ganesha Idols in water.
However, modernisation brought the Plaster-of-Paris(POP) idols to replace the clay idols and decorated them with paint containing harmful lead instead of natural dyes, as a cause of concern for our environment.
Polity's point of view
The environmental concern while celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi is an ongoing debate among Indians. The arguments are taken from the Fundamental right (Article 25) and Fundamental Duties of the Indian Constitution to the Vedas as well.
1) As per Article 25, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.
2) Fundamental Duties tells (f) to value and preserve the rich cultural heritage of our composite culture.
(g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with the idol of Ganesha is the freedom to conscience and practice the Hindu religion. Preservation of rivers lakes and wildlife is our Fundamental duty.
When the conflict arises between Fundamental Right and Fundamental Duty, Fundamental Rights wins.
But our Fundamental duty to preserve the forests, rivers, lakes and wildlife is not fulfilled through this Ganesh Chaturthi celebration.
If we don't do our duty properly or do it in the wrong way, we have to face the consequence. This is the Law of the Nature.
Vedas on water conservation
In Vedic times also, sages have given high priority to the conservation of rivers, lakes and wildlife. We have Varuna Sukta in praise of the deity of water. He is present in all the water bodies.
Waters are to be freed from defilement - Atharva Veda Samhita x-5-24
Offerings are dedicated to waters of wells, pools, clefts, holes, lakes, morasses, ponds, tanks, marshes, rains, rime, streams, rivers and ocean.- Taittiriya Samhita vii-4-13
Water was worshipped as a deity during Vedic times.
Economic concern
Making idols and selling them is a way of earning for many people across India. Doing pooja for these big idols on the roadside also makes some earnings for the place. Garland makers, Painters, Paint sellers, and stage builders are benefitted from this. If no idols are made every year, their small earnings will be stopped.
Way Forward
Despite these concerns about the practice of immersing Ganesh idols in rivers or lakes, we need to think about some alternatives.
- Make eco-friendly idols of clay to be immersed in water.
- Virtual Ganesha immersing in the virtual Ganges -
