Thane, Sep 10 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said devotion and environmental preservation take precedence over the size of idols and asserted that celebrating festivals responsibly is a duty every citizen shares.
Speaking at the ‘Eco-Friendly Maha Ganesha Idol Workshop 2026’ held at CIDCO Exhibition and Convention Centre in Vashi, he said protecting the natural elements is essential for human survival.
Lord Ganesha represents wisdom, he said while urging citizens to avoid Plaster of Paris and chemical dyes to prevent water pollution.
“Divine blessings depend on selfless service to nature rather than the physical scale of an idol,” Fadnavis said.
During the mega event, over 10,000 students simultaneously sculpted Ganesha idols using traditional eco-friendly clay, officially etching Maharashtra’s name in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Upon the official announcement by Guinness adjudicators, the CM praised the participating students as the true architects of this success and commended the combined efforts of the Environment Department, the Directorate of Art, and the Sir J.J. School of Art.
Environment Minister Pankaja Munde rpt Munde said these young sculptors have proven themselves to be true protectors of the earth by spreading the message of eco-friendly celebrations into homes across the state.
Fadnavis and Munde also joined the students in moulding clay idols.
Among those who attended the event was state forest minister Ganesh Naik. PTI COR BNM
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