Sculptor Dattadri Kothur created something very unique and innovative: the world’s first Tree Ganesha, an idol made of red soil, organic fertilisers, and seeds that transforms into a tree after immersion. In this video, actress Dia Mirza visits the Tree Ganesha workshop at Lower Parel in Mumbai, interacts with Kothur, and also attends a class on how to make this eco-friendly Ganesha.
Tree Ganesha transforms into a potted plant after immersion.
(Photo: The Quint)
Procedure:
Mix red soil with organic fertiliser. Add water to form a dough.
Knead the dough until smooth.
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Take the required mould with and fill the front mould with the dough.
The back mould needs to be filled with the mould as well.
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Apply uniform pressure at all points. Repeat the above step for the back mould as well.
Ensuring precision in the features of the idol.
(Photo: The Quint)
Put the two moulds together and fill any visible void with the mixture.
Filling the visible void with red soil and organic fertiliser mixture.
(Photo: The Quint)
Press the two moulds against each other and be gentle in doing so.
Bringing the two moulds together, slowly.
(Photo: The Quint)
Remove the top mould carefully and any excess clay visible to you.
After the clay is removed, let the idol dry.
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Sprinkle some water and brush for final finish.
Painting the Tree Ganesha.
(Photo: The Quint)
Put soil and organic fertiliser mixture inside and add ladyfinger seeds.
The final step- adding the seeds.
(Photo: The Quint)
Dia Mirza with the man behind Tree Ganesha, Dattadri Kothur.
(Photo: The Quint)
Camera: Chintamani Wagh and Divya Talwar
Editor: Kammaljit Singh Kainth
Producer: Divya Talwar
(This story is from The Quint's archives and has been republished on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.)
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