Prayagraj: Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi and Hartalika Teej festival, a women self-help group’s endeavour to shape cow dung into Lord Ganesh and Shiv-Parvati idols have caught people’s fancy not only in Sangam City but also in neighbouring towns of Prayagraj.A group of six women under the banner of Asharani Foundation, led by Abha Singh, is turning heads with their unique designer idols of Ganesh along with Lord Shiv with Goddess Parvati, and other decors made of cow dung and guar gum. The city-based SHG is flooded with orders for deities idols from the Prayagraj as well as other organisations seeking eco friendly idols of deities.“As citizens acknowledge the benefits of cow dung in terms of its medicinal value, the demand for cow-made products has increased manifold across the country,” said Abha Singh.d.The demand for 12-inch Lord Ganesh idols made of cow dung has gone up in UP markets ahead of the festival. Speaking about the products, she said, “The group of women are working hard to shape idols as well as decors. After drying the dung, the women remove grass and other material from it. Later, it is ground into a powder and mixed with guar gum. Then it is set in different moulds. After drying, they are painted with natual colours to enhance their beauty.”Meanwhile, noted religious scholar Dr. Amitabh Gour said “ Hartalika Teej an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati will be celebrated on Monday”. He added that Teej is observed mainly by women devotees praying for a happy married life, a strong relationship and the wellbeing of the family. Unmarried women also celebrate the festival in many families. Ganesh Chaturthi will also be celebrated on Monday. The Ganeshotsav will welcome Lord Ganesha into homes, housing societies and pandals across the city with devotees seeking Lord Ganesh blessings.
