Salem district administration issues guidelines for immersing Vinayaka Idols

Vinayaka idols kept for sales at Second Agraharam Street in Salem on Sunday. | Photo Credit: E. LAKSHMI NARAYANAN The Salem district administration has issued guidelines for immersing Vinayaka idols during the Vinayaka Chaturthi festival.Salem District Collector K. Elambahavath urged the public to celebrate the festival by immersing the idols only in the places notified by the District Administration and adhering to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board guidelines for protecting waterbodies.Idols made of only natural, biodegradable, eco-friendly raw materials, without any toxic and inorganic raw materials will be permitted for immersion. The idols should be free of Plaster of Paris (PoP), plastic, and thermocol (polystyrene).Only dry flowers and straw may be used for making ornaments for the idols. Tree resins may be used as a shining material on the idols. Use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes/oil paints for painting idols is strictly prohibited. Enamel- and synthetic dye-based paints are also not permitted. Only eco-friendly, water-based, biodegradable, and non-toxic natural dyes should be used.Eco-friendly materials like straw should be used to make decorations of idols or pandals. For beautification of idols, removable and washable decorative clothes made only with natural materials and natural dyes should be used in place of disposable material containing paints and other toxic chemicals, the District Collector added. Published - August 30, 2026 07:18 pm IST