MUMBAI : The auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the biggest celebrations in our country, witnesses great fervour amongst ardent devotees of Lord Ganesha. While the festivities are revelled in full swing, it is the responsibility of each citizen to be conscious of the environment we live in. With a resolute commitment to fostering a cleaner, greener, and better tomorrow, BIG FM, one of the leading radio networks in the country, recently culminated its highly acclaimed initiative ‘BIG Green Ganesha.’ In its 16th year, the initiative is a significant step in the direction of driving a positive change in society, contributing to a sustainable future. Spanning across various states such as Maharashtra, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bangalore, the campaign embraced a holistic approach to eco-consciousness.

The campaign undertook a range of activities to promote an eco-friendly initiative whilst also encouraging its listeners to embrace sustainability in every aspect of the celebrations. In Mumbai, BIG FM ensured that all the decorations, dishware, cutlery and prasad boxes provided to all devotees were sustainable. With on-air guidance, accolades for devotees, and innovative demonstrations, everyone was invited to become 'Bappa ke Eco-Bhakt' this festive season. Additionally, BIG FM conducted a plastic collection drive in collaboration with Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) by installing drop boxes in 20 Residential Welfare Associations (RWA) across Mumbai. The plastic collected was repurposed into fiveplastic benches which were installed in the societies. Prominent figures such as Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Lakshya Kochar, Siddharth Nigam, Tushar Kapoor, KaranVir Sharma, Pooja Hegde supported the campaign. A beach clean-up drive was also conducted with popular BIG FM RJs- RJ Rani, RJ Dillip and RJ Abhilash for a greener end to the celebration.

Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM said, “For over a decade, we've led the way in pioneering eco-conscious festivities and it's heartening to see the growing awareness and active participation from our listeners and partners alike. We remain determined in our efforts to foster sustainable celebrations and that has only continued to grow stronger with every passing year. With BIG Green Ganesha, we not only celebrate the joy of the festival but also collectively work towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable tomorrow. It's a testament to our unwavering dedication to environmental consciousness and a brighter future for generations to come."

Taking the BIG Green Ganesha ideology further, in Hyderabad, the focus was on creating eco-friendly Ganesha idols from newspapers, clay and dry grass. In Pune and the rest of Maharashtra, BIG FM collaborated with NGOs to support the education of underprivileged children, encouraging listeners to donate for this noble cause while also participating actively in various pandal events. In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the campaign emphasised the significance of environmentally conscious festivities, advocating for not only green idols but also sustainable materials for decorations and Prasad boxes. In Bangalore, BIG FM undertook a host of activities such as crafting eco-friendly Ganesha idols at Garuda mall, sharing insights about renowned Ganapati temples and hosting devotional shows. BIG Green Ganesha was extensively promoted across on-air, social media and digital platforms of the radio network.