Every year, after months of pouring monsoon rains, millions of devout Hindus across western India celebrate the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god.
![Indians in Mumbai prepare to immerse a statue of Ganesha in the Arabian Sea. Photo / AP](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/U3TX572K3CG3ZLWNZDYIJMBCJE.jpg?auth=c1339ddba9783853f7dd6c956b65d4a234426636a29c88c4b999fe6f30aea681&width=16&height=10&quality=70&smart=true)
Idols are worshipped in the home and then after a few days they are carried to a large body of water and ceremonially immersed.
![Indian devotees prepare to immerse an idol of elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha in the Arabian Sea. Photo / AP](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/AZPHQZOIICQ7ROBEUDOJVU3RJI.jpg?auth=bba5f6a76faed9ba9dcab39b61c260050e92f91295cbd73c228f5f0daa003158&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
The ritual, however, leaves rivers, lakes and even the sea polluted with a mix of toxic paints and materials.