The Digital Connect

“The idea is to show people the importance of the eco-system and the manner in which the festival can be celebrated without causing much harm to the environment,” says Sanjay Raskar,director of the institute. The premise of the comic is a modern day setting,wherein the five ‘maanache ganpati’ (oldest mandals) gather together to have a conference about the growing pollution in the city. Finding themselves helpless,they all go to heaven to consult the Mahaganpati about the problem.

A total of 150 students of the animation institute worked for almost a month designing the comic. Done in stereoscopic 3D and using computer graphics,the comic depicts the Mahaganpati coming down to earth after he recognises that air,water and sound pollution are really demons,who are destroying the city. “After battling them successfully,he gives the citizens the message of celebrating these festivals in an eco-friendly manner,” says Raskar. The exhibition will be inaugurated by artist D.S. Khatavkar. In addition Krayon Studios will also be showcasing promos of their film ‘Delhi Safari’ that also deals with the issue of environment protection at the venue.

According to Raskar the reason behind taking up issues related to the environment was because it is a continuous process that requires a lot of awareness to be generated amongst the people. As far as releasing the comic in a hardbound edition they say that there are no plans as of now. The group will be uploading the entire comic on their website for a free download.

Eventually through the exhibition they are putting forth the message of not using excessive colours during the festival,as well as using eco-friendly idols. “The concept of the festival is changing every year around. And if we can incorporate technology to help bring about social awareness,then our purpose is solved. That is what the main purpose of the festival was when it began in the early part of the twentieth century. We are just trying to continue the same tradition,” he adds.