Bombay HC likely to ban use of PoP idols for Ganesh Chaturthi festival

The Bombay High Court on Friday orally observed that it may impose a ban on the use of plaster of Paris (PoP) for Ganesh Chaturthi idols across Maharashtra. The observation was made by the bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar.

The bench also criticised the civic body of Mumbai -- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) -- for its inability to enforce a ban on PoP idol production, despite the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issuing clear guidelines against its use since 2020.

The court was hearing the matter over a public interest litigation filed by a group of citizens and clay idol makers.

When an advocate argued that the ban could halt the entire festival, the bench discussed the implications and decided to adjourn the matter for further hearing at 2:30 pm.

When an advocate argued that the ban could halt the entire festival, the bench discussed the implications and decided to adjourn the matter for further hearing at 2:30 pm.

PoP contaminates water

The use of PoP idols during religious festivals has raised growing environmental concerns due to their immersion in water, which contributes significantly to pollution. PoP is a quick-setting material made from gypsum. It is used widely in construction, art, and craft due to its ease of use but poses significant concerns for the environment due to the chemicals present in it, which can impact the aquatic ecosystem and the quality of water.

During the hearing, the court directed the Maharashtra government to obtain a copy of the order issued by the Nagpur bench of the High Court on August 28, in order to issue a well-informed ruling. The Nagpur bench's order had emphasised the need for "strict compliance” with the CPBC rules.

Ganesh Chaturthi, the Hindu festival that pays tribute to deity Ganesha, will be celebrated on September 6.

When is Diwali in 2024, know the auspicious time of worship and the offerings made on this day

When is Diwali in 2024know the auspicious time of worship and the offerings made on this dayDiwali 2024: Diwali is one of the major festivals of Hindus. This festival is celebrated every year on the Amavasya date of the month of Kartik. Let us know on which day the festival of Diwali will be celebrated this year.
Diwali 2024: Diwali is one of the major festivals of Hindus. This festival is celebrated every year on the Amavasya date of Kartik month. On this day people worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha in their homes. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on this day i.e. Diwali (Diwali 2024), i.e. Amavasya date of Kartik month, removes money related problems. Along with this, a lot of dishes are also made at home these days. Let us know on which day Diwali will be celebrated this year, auspicious time for worship and dishes for Prasad.

Diwali auspicious time (Diwali Shubh Muhurat)

According to the Vedic calendar, the Amavasya date of Kartik month is said to start on October 31 at 03:52 pm, while the Amavasya date will end on November 1 at 06:16 pm. If astrologers are to be believed, this year Diwali will be celebrated on November 01.

Auspicious time of worship (Diwali Shubh Muhurat)

Talking about the auspicious time of Diwali Puja, the time is from 05:36 pm to 06:16 pm. Please note that the time of worship may vary in different cities.