25/08/2017
The Science and Reasons
Generally Vinayaka Chathurthi is celebrated during the month of September just before the setting of Northeast monsoon in October.
The dry summer would have made water sources porous and rivers might have been running shallowly. Thus the clay from the idols when suspended in water would form a colloid that would coagulate the pores and form a layer that has very fine pores.
Water would find it difficult to move towards gravity in such a condition and thus sort to lateral imbibitions. This would naturally lead to increase and rise in the ground water level on the setting up of the monsoon.
Although there are many reasons explained to the practice of dissolving clay idols in water source, the one that is largely believed is that, being agrarian based culture our forefathers wanted to inculcate the basic meaning of life to the future generations.
The implication that life began from the earth and ends in it is the common explanation given.
The POP Idols
However due to advancement in science as usual man has sorted to plaster of paris (POP) idols, which not only does not dissolve in water but is hazardous due to the chemicals present in it.
Although comparatively huge and decorative idols are being made, the harm that these idols cause to the environment is immeasurable.
Make Your Own Clay Idols
Many DIYs are available in the internet, it is advisable to make idols out of clay. This would be the right way to thank our earth that has given us everything.
Wishing my readers a very happy Ganesh Chathurthi
