Allahabad, Oct 15 : Women artistes of Allahabad are sculpting eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi ahead of Diwali.

"The demand for these idols is so high that we are unable to complete the orders of the customers. The people who come to know that these idols are made from cow dung, order for it immediately. These idols are made from cow dung and lac," said Suman Chaurasiya, an idol maker.

She added that it takes about five to ten minutes to make one idol.

Besides being eco-friendly and affordable, these idols are very light and durable which make them a preferable choice amongst the customers.

The prices of these idols range from 50 rupees to 150 rupees.

Environmentalists hope that with eco-friendly idols becoming popular, pollution of environment on this account would be largely checked.

Diwali, which falls in October-November, has its origins in the celebrations in Ayodhya, marking the return of Lord Ram to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana.

Also named Naraka Chaturdashi, as per Hindu mythology, Diwali is the day when Lord Vishnu vanquished Narakasura, a demon. (ANI)