Pune Children Swap Screens for Paintbrushes to Create Eco-Friendly Ganesha Idols

As Ganeshotsav approaches, children in Pune are trading their smartphones for paintbrushes, thanks to a series of 3D Ganpati painting workshops organised by the Surendra Pathare Foundation. The initiative, themed "Paint, Create, Celebrate Bappa," is designed for children aged 6 to 15 and aims to foster creativity while encouraging eco-friendly celebrations.

The festival begins on September 14 and concludes with Anant Chaturdashi on September 25. Workshops are being held across more than 120 residential societies in areas such as Kharadi, Viman Nagar, Wagholi, and Vadgaon Sheri, making participation easy for families.

Organiser Surendra Pathare said the drive began four to five years ago to involve children more deeply in the festival. "We came up with that thought process that we should create a platform where children are coming, exploring their ideas, their creativity and getting merged with the culture that is very popularly followed here in Pune," he explained.

This year, the foundation introduced pre-made eco-friendly idols after noticing that younger children often struggled to sculpt their own. "Small kids, it is very difficult for them to make the sculpture. Sometimes they are not able to make the Ganpati. Then they feel bad that my Ganpati Bappa is not made," said organiser Aishwarya Pathare. The foundation now brings idols directly to each society, and also arranges for immersion (visarjan) after the festival.

Around 2,500 to 3,000 children have registered, with sessions scheduled over three weekends to accommodate school exams. More than 1,000 children have already taken part. Aishwarya noted that the workshops keep kids away from digital screens and engaged with the festive spirit. "The children are coming here, painting with so much excitement with their friends, they are away from the digital screen and actually enjoying what this festival is meant for," she said.

Young participants echoed the joy. Samar said he loved mixing colours and painting his idol, while Chivesh Shahani appreciated the step-by-step guidance and planned to keep his Bappa near the family temple. Parent Kanishka Shahani praised the organisation, saying she was thrilled to see her son paint independently. Another participant, Sirisha, thanked the foundation for providing idols and colours, and chose bright shades to match the festive mood.

By combining art, community participation, and environmental awareness, the initiative offers Pune's children a hands-on way to celebrate Ganeshotsav while staying rooted in tradition.