There is a significant difference between "dipping" and "immersing" the idols of deities. According to the scriptures, Ganesh Visarjan (immersion) isn't clearly defined, but the true essence lies in merging the idol's divinity back into its original form, not necessarily submerging it in water. The final pooja or "uttar" pooja marks the actual Visarjan, completing the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The practice of immersing idols in water is a social tradition, not an eternal ritual, and should be reconsidered.
We should honour our deity by creating idols from reusable metals like brass, steel, copper, silver, or even gold, ensuring sustainability for future celebrations. According to the scriptures, after the idol is established and the final pooja is performed, Visarjan is a symbolic return of divine energy to nature. This spiritual concept does not require immersing the idol in water bodies.
Immersion, while traditionally symbolic of life's impermanence, is not the only way to merge divinity with nature. True immersion happens during the final pooja, which suffices for sending the divine energy back to nature.
Instead of immersing the idol, we should create metal idols, decorate them during Ganesh Chaturthi, and perform the Visarjan ritual through the "uttar" pooja on the throne. These idols can be reused year after year, promoting respect for nature while maintaining the sacredness of the practice. This change would be beneficial for both the environment and public health.
