Suchandra X Vaaniya Promotes Eco-Friendly Ganesh Worship

Kolkata: Actress, filmmaker and social activist Suchandra Chandra, professionally known as Suchandra X Vaaniya, has called for a more environmentally conscious approach to festival celebrations while welcoming Lord Ganesha into her home with an eco-friendly idol.

Suchandra has been celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi at her residence for the past seven years. Like previous years, Lord Ganesha will remain at her home for 10 days. For her, the festival is not only a religious observance but also an opportunity to promote values of love, service, social responsibility and environmental protection.

“Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the symbol of auspicious beginnings. His worship should never cause harm to nature or any living being. By choosing an eco-friendly idol made from clay and natural materials, we can preserve our devotion while protecting our rivers, water bodies and environment,” Suchandra said.

She added that protecting nature is both an act of service and a responsibility rooted in Sanatan culture.

Reflecting on the symbolism associated with Lord Ganesha, Suchandra also highlighted the relationship between His imposing form and His tiny vehicle, the mouse. She said the symbolism conveys an important message that no individual or living being is insignificant.

“Every individual and every living being has a unique strength, purpose and importance. The mouse can enter places that a larger creature cannot, reminding us that everyone has a role to play,” she said.

According to Suchandra, Lord Ganesha also represents strength, patience, wisdom, discernment and perseverance in the face of adversity.

“Before the arrival of Maa Durga, may Bappa remove obstacles from our lives and the world and prepare the way for positive and divine energy. The joy of a festival becomes complete only when devotion is accompanied by humanity and responsibility towards the environment,” she said.

Suchandra has worked across acting, direction and film production and has also been associated with social-awareness initiatives. She believes cinema and creative expression can play an important role in raising awareness about public-interest issues and encouraging positive social change.

Through her eco-friendly Ganesh worship, Suchandra has urged people to keep their celebrations devotional as well as environmentally responsible.

“Let devotion remain pure, let celebrations be conscious, and with Bappa’s blessings, may our planet become more beautiful, cleaner and safer,” she said.

Ganpati Bappa Morya! Mangal Murti Morya!