Mumbai sculptor creates unique chocolate Ganesh idol for social cause

Rintu Rathod, a Mumbai-based chocolate sculptor, has crafted a unique Ganesh idol using chocolate, dry fruits, millets, and jaggery. Rathod's creation depicts the Ardhanarishvara (half woman) form of Ganesh to raise awareness about rising crimes against women in India.

Concerned about the environmental impact of traditional immersions, Rathod decided to create an edible idol that could be immersed in milk. The resulting mixture is then distributed as prasad to underprivileged children. 

The idol, weighing 30 kilograms, required an additional 90 litres of milk for immersion. Rathod spent 48 hours completing the sculpture, which symbolises the balance and harmony of feminine and masculine energies necessary for the functioning of the universe.

Rathod's eco-friendly and socially conscious Ganesh idols are in high demand. This year, she crafted nearly 100 idols for customers, ranging from 3 inches to 3 feet in size. Some of her creations were made from ingredients like kheer, panchamrit, dry fruits, saffron, rose milk, and haldi milk. 

Her dark, milk, and white chocolate Ganesh idols are especially popular, with some even travelling internationally to destinations like the USA and Hong Kong.