Mumbai Ganpati mandal makes Ganesha idol from items that attract zero per cent GST

Members of Shri Niwas Ganeshotav’s Ganpati, Mulund, used Gandhi topi, pot, cotton, diyas, betel nut, salt, coffee beans, Indian flag, slate and khadi yarn , among others

To highlight the positives of the recently implemented Goods and Service Tax (GST), Shri Niwas Ganeshotav’s Ganpati, Mulund, used Gandhi topi, pot, cotton, diyas, betel nut, salt, coffee beans, Indian flag, slate, khadi yarn and products that attract zero per cent GST for their Ganesh idol this year.

The Ganesha idol at the Mulund mandal. (Praful Gangurde)

“GST has been one of the most controversial issues of this year. There are people unwilling to pay the tax by saying that it will benefit other states. However, we need to consider the greater good and the future developments this reform will bring in the country,” said Divy Gala, 24, a resident of the society.

The members of the mandal agreed on this year’s theme a month ago, which was chalked out by a team of five headed by Dipesh Yadav. The mandal wants to spread awareness about one particular issue each year for which its makes idols based on the similar theme. The mandal also ensures that the materialused for making the idol is eco-friendly and can either be recycled or distributed.

Similarly, a few of items used for making this year’s idol will be distributed as prasad and the rest will be reused the next year. Lodaya added that this not only helps the mandal cut cost, but also helps residents bond over a common issue.

“We need to celebrate festivals responsibly. But today it is all about competition. Instead of showing off our decorations, the festival will survive if we all celebrate it together at one place,” said Lodaya.

The mandal had made similar idols in the past to promote social issues such as importance of girl child, ill-effects of plastic and importance of following your passion.