Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) recently organised a mega workshop titled “Harit Bappa – Phalit Bappa” at the Sant Sawalaram Maharaj Sports Complex in Dombivli East to promote an eco-friendly and culturally aware Ganesh festival.

Held in two sessions, the initiative drew 4,657 students from 80 schools within KDMC’s jurisdiction. Participants were given free, hands-on training in crafting Ganesh idols using Shadu — a traditional, eco-friendly natural clay.

The mass workshop set a new world record, officially recognised by the India Book of Records and the OMG Book of Records, and has been proposed for inclusion in the Limca Book of Records.

Project head and executive engineer Rohini Lokare, along with Education Today Foundation CEO Vinda Biscute, emphasised that such programmes not only preserve traditional artistry but also instil cultural pride and environmental responsibility in young learners.

KDMC commissioner and administrator Abhinav Goel (IAS) lauded the campaign’s success and appealed to Ganesh mandals to install idols under six feet in height and to choose artificial ponds for immersion, thereby protecting natural water bodies.

Neelam Malik of Arya Gurukul School noted that her institution has consistently championed eco-friendly celebrations, and that KDMC’s collaboration has amplified the message across the Kalyan-Dombivli region. A special exhibition of idols crafted by differently-abled students also drew wide appreciation.

In a parallel achievement, 5,245 participants took a collective oath to install eco-friendly Ganesh idols — a feat certified by OMG Book of Records representative Prof. Dr. Dinesh Gupta.

The event was attended by Rajesh More (MLA, Kalyan Rural), KDMC commissioner Abhinav Goel, DCP Atul Zende and Education Today Foundation trustee Bharat Malik.

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