Franky Gracias
In the offerings made to Sri Ganesh, each item has its own significance and deep links with nature. Originally, all of these came directly from nature and do not have any chemicals. For example, turmeric powder and natural kumkum made with turmeric, sandalwood paste and rice grains make up the basic offerings in any pooja.
The practice of applying kumkum to the forehead means taking 'darshan' of the Sun God. The forehead of the body is like the vast horizon on which this fiery ball of light arises in the point between the eyebrows
The other nature offering of great importance in a Ganesh pooja is the Durva grass. Durva has the powers to draw Lord Ganesha's energies as blessings.
For Ganpati Bappa, nature is true bhakti and devotion means to be aware of the impacts of our actions and not show ignorance. Choose an idol made of natural clay.
Bappa will also certainly want us to avoid thermocol and plastic in decorations for the festival. Make an effort to have the celebration in tune with nature by using natural materials as much as possible.
Idols made of PoP and other unnatural substances will not make Ganesha happy. A ritual that began in gratitude to the Earth should continue to have deep links with nature and so there is no scope for materials that will make Ganesha unhappy.
The idea of Ganesh immersion is to ensure that what has come from the earth returns to it. Bappa wants his immersion to be done in clean water and one that is free from any waste.