Ganesh Chaturthi: Eco-friendly idols attract Mumbaikars

Ganesh murtis made out of red clay procured from Dharavi Kumbharwada. The clay is placed in a dye and a form is given to the idol. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

The rough edges are cut out and polished. A bit of water color is used to draw the eyes of the Lord and his tooth. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

Seeds are placed inside the idol and sealed from underneath. It is then placed in a flower pot with soil and organic fertilizers as a base and sold. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

During the immersion, water is poured on the top so that the idol melts into the pot itself and after few days, the seeds germinate into small plants. It's a biodegradable Ganesh idol that doesn't need to be taken to the sea or any other water body for immersion. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

A pollution free Ganesh idol, which can be used for the festivity and then the Lord stays at home in the form of a tree throughout the year. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

Various seeds are used from neem tree to flowering plants like marigold. It is a wonderful way to give back something positive to the nature. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

The concept was perceived in 2015 by Dattadri Kothur, this unique idol is designed to grow into a tree after immersion and save the environment. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)