Belagavi sculptor Anant Kokitkar of Samarth Nagar has devised a fast‑dissolving, lightweight Ganesha idol made from paper, clay and natural ingredients, offering an eco‑friendly alternative for Ganeshotsav celebrations as concerns grow over plaster‑of‑Paris idols polluting water bodies.
A graduate of Mumbai’s JJ School of Art, Kokitkar previously crafted plaster‑of‑Paris Ganesha idols until heightened awareness of their harmful impact on water bodies and the environment led him to explore sustainable options.
His patented process starts by soaking white paper in water to form pulp, which is then blended with soil, clay and other eco‑friendly components before being poured into molds; the resulting idols are hollow, considerably lighter, yet retain the intricate artistry of traditional figures.
Kokitkar initially received online guidance from a friend in Russia while developing the method and later refined it through extensive experimentation, field testing and continuous improvements over the past five years, supplying the paper idols to a select group of customers.
His daughter, Dhanashree, has joined the venture and actively assists in production; despite being largely paper‑based, the idols are visually appealing and priced competitively against other eco‑friendly alternatives.
“Paper‑based idols are eco‑friendly and dissolve quickly in water after immersion. Even after painting and finishing, they look as attractive as traditional idols,” Kokitkar said, noting that the rapid dissolution helps reduce environmental impact during the festival season.
