Farmers in Washim Craft Unique Betel Nut Ganesh Idol
By | Rayyan Z Khan
Washim, Maharashtra: As the Ganesh Chaturthi fervor sweeps across India, a small village in Washim district has captured attention with a remarkable blend of devotion, sustainability, and community spirit. The Jai Bhawani Mandal in Kamaragaon has crafted a 4.5-feet-tall Ganesh idol using 9 kilograms of betel nuts—an initiative that stands out amid the widespread use of plaster idols.
Built in just 10 days at a cost of less than ₹5,000, the idol is the result of nine farmers each contributing one kilogram of betel nuts. Weighing around 15 kilograms, the creation has become the talk of the district not only for its artistry but also for its eco-friendly message.
“Unlike idols that pollute water bodies, our Ganesh idol will be immersed in a unique way—the betel nuts will be distributed as prasad among devotees, ensuring nothing goes to waste,” explained one of the farmers.
The community’s prayers are deeply rooted in rural concerns. For the next 10 days, they plan to pray for a good harvest and fair crop prices. “If the government ensures better rates for our produce, farmers won’t be forced into distress or suicides,” said an elderly farmer, pointing to the challenges faced by agricultural communities across the state.
This initiative aligns with a growing movement across India for greener Ganeshotsav celebrations. Similar eco-friendly idols made from clay, cow dung, and natural dyes are emerging in states like Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. In Ujjain, a 125,000-betel-nut Ganesh idol stunned devotees earlier this year, while in Jabalpur, an 81-year-old woman has been handcrafting areca-nut idols for nearly two decades.
Environmentalists have long warned against Plaster of Paris idols, which release harmful chemicals into rivers and lakes during immersion. The Washim farmers’ effort offers a sustainable alternative—rooted in devotion yet conscious of ecological balance.
By combining traditional faith with environmental responsibility, this rural initiative has set a powerful example, proving that cultural celebrations can coexist with sustainability when communities come together.
