Ganesh Chaturthi: Sandesh Shankar Gaonkar’s Eco-Friendly ‘Makhar’ Decorations by Sarvangi Arts

As the joyous occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi draws near, devotees across India are busy preparing for the grand celebrations. From vibrant decorations to intricately crafted idols, the festival is marked by a multitude of artistic expressions. In Thane, one artist stands out for his eco-conscious approach to the traditional ‘makhar’ (decorations) that adorn homes and public spaces during the festival. Sandesh Shankar Gaonkar, through his venture Sarvangi Arts, has redefined the art of decorating for Ganesh Chaturthi by creating beautiful, eco-friendly makhars made from traditional sarees, blending sustainability with rich Maharashtrian heritage.

The Birth of Sarvangi Arts

Founded by Sandesh Shankar Gaonkar, Sarvangi Arts was born out of a desire to combine the beauty of traditional craftsmanship with the urgent need for environmental sustainability. Sandesh, who has always been passionate about both culture and nature, realized that the decoration materials used during Ganesh Chaturthi—often involving plastic and non-biodegradable substances—were harming the environment.

Inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra, especially the decorative art used during Ganesh Chaturthi, Sandesh decided to innovate by creating decorations using traditional sarees, a material that holds deep cultural significance in Maharashtrian households. His creations aim to preserve the beauty of the festival while minimizing its environmental impact.

Eco-Friendly ‘Makhar’ Made from Traditional Sarees

One of the standout features of Sandesh’s work is his eco-friendly makhars. Traditionally, makhars were crafted using materials like paper, plastic, and thermocol, which are not environmentally friendly. By using traditional sarees, Sandesh has found a way to create stunning, sustainable decorations that reflect the vibrancy of the festival without harming the planet.

The sarees used in the makhars are carefully selected to reflect the intricate designs and colors that are synonymous with Maharashtrian culture. The fabric is upcycled and repurposed into various elements of the decorations, such as thrones for Lord Ganesha, cushions, and backgrounds for the deity. The result is a combination of sustainable art and cultural reverence, all while staying true to the aesthetic grandeur of the festival.

Blending Sustainability with Tradition

Sandesh Shankar Gaonkar’s work with Sarvangi Arts is a shining example of how sustainability and tradition can coexist in harmony. His decorations not only support the preservation of the environment but also keep the cultural fabric of Maharashtrian heritage intact. The use of traditional sarees to craft the makhars adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia, evoking memories of the past while paving the way for a more sustainable future.

The makhars created by Sarvangi Arts are an extension of the values of Ganesh Chaturthi itself, which is all about renewal, transformation, and overcoming obstacles. By promoting the idea of eco-friendly celebrations, Sandesh encourages the community to rethink how they engage with festivals, urging them to consider the impact of their choices on the planet.

The Growing Popularity of Eco-Friendly Decorations

As the world becomes more conscious of environmental challenges, the demand for sustainable festival decorations has grown. Sandesh’s Sarvangi Arts is at the forefront of this movement, offering an alternative to the excessive use of plastic and non-biodegradable materials. His work has gained a following not just in Thane but also in other parts of Maharashtra, where people are increasingly seeking ways to celebrate festivals in a more environmentally responsible manner.

Beyond just the makhar decorations, Sandesh has also inspired others in the community to embrace sustainability during Ganesh Chaturthi by using eco-friendly idols, reducing plastic waste, and opting for natural materials like clay, flowers, and leaves. His initiative is part of a broader shift towards eco-conscious celebrations, a trend that is growing in popularity among environmentally aware citizens.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Sandesh’s vision for Sarvangi Arts is to continue spreading the message of eco-friendly celebrations and expanding his reach. He dreams of creating an entire line of upcycled and sustainable decorations that can be used for various festivals and events, not just Ganesh Chaturthi. His ultimate goal is to make eco-friendly makhars a mainstream choice for people across the country, ensuring that celebrations remain joyous while respecting the environment.

Sandesh hopes that his work will inspire future generations to approach festivals with a sense of responsibility and love for nature, preserving the beauty of cultural traditions while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Sustainability and Heritage

Sandesh Shankar Gaonkar’s efforts through Sarvangi Arts stand as a testament to the power of sustainable innovation. By creating eco-friendly makhars from traditional sarees, he has beautifully blended Maharashtrian heritage with modern-day sustainability. His work not only contributes to the environmental movement but also ensures that the cultural richness of festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi continues to thrive in a way that honors both the planet and tradition. As more people embrace these eco-conscious alternatives, we may very well witness a significant transformation in the way festivals are celebrated in India, one that is as kind to the environment as it is to the spirit.