Odisha Governor Haribabu Kambhampati offers prayers to ‘Sasya Ganapati’

The distinctive idol has been created amid a green setting featuring around 16,000 plants, giving the traditional Ganesh festival an environmental message.

Speaking during his visit, Kambhampati said the concept conveyed an important message about respecting and protecting nature. He urged people to make tree planting a regular habit and encouraged every individual to plant and nurture at least one sapling.

“Please plant at least one plant and try to grow it. It will definitely protect us,” the Governor said, emphasising the connection between environmental conservation and human well-being.

He said the idea behind Sasya Ganapati was not merely to celebrate the festival but also to encourage people to recognise their responsibility towards the natural environment.

“If you worship nature, nature will protect us,” Kambhampati said, calling for greater participation in efforts to increase green cover.

The Sasya Ganapati concept has added an ecological dimension to this year’s Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations at the temple, where devotees have gathered to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

The Governor’s visit comes amid widespread Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across Andhra Pradesh, with temples and community organisations organising special prayers and cultural programmes.

By combining religious devotion with a message of environmental stewardship, the Sirasapalli installation seeks to encourage devotees to translate the festival’s symbolism into a practical commitment towards nurturing plants and protecting nature.