New Delhi, June 28 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to celebrate Ganesh Utsav in an environmentally responsible manner by purchasing only clay idols made by local artisans and avoiding idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP).

Addressing the nation during the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister noted that there is still time for the Ganesh Utsav festival and appealed to idol makers to prioritise clay idols and urged buyers to verify the material and origin of the idols before purchasing them.

"Please make an effort to ensure that the idol of Ganpati Bappa installed in your home, society, or neighbourhood is made from the soil of our own country and crafted by the hands of our own potters and local artisan...