Mumbai: On the joyous occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, expressed her happiness at the arrival of Bappa and extended greetings to people across the state.
Speaking to the media, Amruta Fadnavis said, “I am very happy. Bappa has arrived today. The entire state of Maharashtra is celebrating Ganesh Utsav with great enthusiasm. I just want the people of the state to think about the environment as well. During the immersion of idols, we should only use the environment-friendly ponds.”
She highlighted the importance of balancing tradition with responsibility, especially when it comes to safeguarding nature. While Ganesh Utsav is one of Maharashtra’s most beloved and widely celebrated festivals, the immersion of idols in natural water bodies has often raised concerns about pollution.
Amruta Fadnavis urged devotees to adopt eco-friendly practices such as using artificial ponds provided by civic authorities, promoting clay idols that dissolve easily, and avoiding non-biodegradable materials. She stressed that small conscious steps by devotees can make a big difference in protecting rivers, lakes, and marine life.
Across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, Ganesh Utsav has begun with vibrant decorations, devotional music, and cultural performances. Civic bodies have also made special arrangements to provide mobile and artificial immersion tanks to encourage environmentally sustainable practices.
Her appeal resonated with the broader message that festivals should not only bring people together in devotion but also inspire responsibility towards the environment.
