11 September,2026 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Agencies
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister Pankaja Munde participating in an eco-friendly Ganesha idol-making workshop on Thursday. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said devotion and environmental preservation take precedence over the size of idols, and celebrating festivals responsibly is a duty shared by every citizen.
Speaking at the âEco-Friendly Maha Ganesha Idol Workshop 2026' at the CIDCO Exhibition and Convention Centre in Vashi, Fadnavis said protecting natural elements is essential for human survival. Lord Ganesha represents wisdom, he said, 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, more than 10,000 students simultaneously sculpted Ganesha idols using traditional eco-friendly clay, helping Maharashtra enter the Guinness Book of World Records.
Following the announcement by Guinness adjudicators, Fadnavis praised the participating students as the true architects of the success. He also commended the combined efforts of the Environment Department, Directorate of Art and Sir JJ School of Art.
Environment Minister Pankaja Munde said, "The young sculptors have proved themselves to be true protectors of the earth by taking the message of eco-friendly celebrations to homes across e state."
Fadnavis and Munde also joined the students in moulding clay idols. State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik was among those who attended the event.
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