Choose clay and help protect lakes and rivers this Ganesh festival. The Clay Ganesha Movement provides free, handcrafted clay Ganesha molds that are biodegradable and fully dissolve in water.
Unlike Plaster-of-Paris idols, which may release gypsum and toxic paint into water, these natural clay idols are designed to return safely to the earth. Families can borrow a mold, create a Ganesha idol at home and celebrate responsibly.
The initiative has shared more than 40,000 idols, has been running for 14 years and is active in over 20 cities across the USA and Canada.
Available services
Free molds: Borrow a mold and make a clay Ganesha idol at home.
Community workshops: Attend a hands-on session at a temple, market or community venue.
Drive-thru pickup: Collect a ready-made clay idol from a nearby drive-thru location.
Mold-sharing: Available in selected cities.
Community coordination: Volunteers can help organize local distribution.
