As a new innovative attempt for this year’s eagerly awaited Vinayaka Chathurthi, a new product, ‘Seed Vinayakar’ has been introduced.
This has been launched by the State Government of Tamilnadu Department of Horticulture.
Vinayak Chathurthi is set to be celebrated in a grand manner on 2nd September throughout the country.
On this occasion, as per the tradition over the last several decades, the families make an idol of Vinayaka from clay, and perform poojas to this idol and celebrate the occasion.
Also, another age-old tradition for the public is to make larger idols of Lord Vinayaka, set them up in public places, perform pooja and celebrate. After observing the poojas for certain days, these larger idols of Lord Vinayaka are immersed in the nearest large water resources.
For this year’s Vinayaka Chathurthi, the state government department of horticulture have come up with an innovative attempt - they have made idols of ‘seed Vinayakar’ for sales.
By inserting seeds of some plants like lady’s finger (Vendaikkai or okra), bunch beans (Kothavarakkai) in the clay used for making the idol of Lord Vinayaka, and keep it on a suitable pot and sold at a price of Rs. 200.
This idol can be taken for the pooja celebrations - after performing the prayer/poojas, some water can be poured into the pot and the idol will get dissolved. The seeds inside will germinate now and grow and thus be beneficial as a vegetable supply.
Two important aspects of this novel/innovative effort are that - firstly, they cause no harm to the environment and secondly, they will grow and provide vegetable to the house. As such, these ‘seed Vinayaka’ idols have proved to be hugely popular!
Avaliable Places: Horticulture Office - Chepauk, Madavaram Horticulture Park, Semmozhi Park at Teynampet.