The cycle of creation and dissolution
Traditionally, idols were sculpted from the mud of nearby water bodies, worshipped with reverence and at the culmination of the festivities returned to their source, a representation of the natural cycle of creation and dissolution. But with each passing year, idols have become grander, gaudier and less green. According to custom, idols were taken for immersion amid celebration and bonhomie. Invitations to return were extended with jubilant singing and dancing on streets. But now processions have got rowdier and more boisterous.
Once a fairly sedate and private ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ and ‘Durga Puja’ have become a public spectacle, requiring efficient crowd management during the celebration and largescale clean-up afterwards. Though it is celebrated all over India, Durga Puja is predominantly celebrated in West Bengal and Odisha and Ganpati Visarjan is a part of Maharashtra’s tradition. Recent studies conducted in these states have shown rapid deterioration of water quality in lakes, streams and rivers as a result of this practice of idol immersion. Nowadays, idols are made of non-biodegradable material such as plastic, cement and plaster of Paris, which when consigned to water decreases the penetration of light, causing eutrophication. Mercury and lead containing toxic dyes, paints and varnishes are used for decoration. They pollute the water and find their way into our food cycle. Also the pH and oxygen level of contaminated water decreases, harming marine life.
Just as our Constitution guards our right to practice religious traditions, we also have the right to clean water. Faith must be respected but there is a growing need to regulate this practice to save the environment. Since this involves sentiments of worshippers, the government has to introduce these guidelines with sensitivity. Some commendable idol immersion practices that have been introduced in parts of the country should be applauded and followed.
The Central Pollution Control Board directed local bodies to provide dedicated immersion points with synthetic liners at the bottom of artificial bodies. Idols are immersed under supervision and removed from the water bodies within 48 hours. Some steps have been radical like the Allahabad high court banning the immersion of idols in the Ganga and the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh and even dismissing the plea of the state government that idols should be dipped and then taken out immediately. The order was given in response to a public interest litigation by an environmentalist. Before the state is forced to take such strict action, we as responsible citizens should do our bit. Temples should lead the drive of creating awareness.
Our traditions dictate that the idol should be made of shadu mati, a kind of clay found on river banks. Papier-mâché can also be used. The idol should be small and unbaked so that it dissolves in water easily. Only natural colours and dyes should be used to decorate it. Stone-and-brass idols can be symbolically immersed and reused. Idols should be immersed in artificial bodies and not in lakes, rivers or the sea.
The believers should understand that idol immersion in its present form is not only harmful for the environment but also an insult to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. The remains of non-biodegradable idols, robbed of their splendour, wash up on our shores and lie helplessly till they are removed by local government bodies. Not a pretty sight for the devout and non-believer alike. As we fervently chant “Ganapati Bappa Moraya Agale Baras Tu Juldi Aa” let’s be responsible and invite Him in an environment-friendly, traditional avatar next year.
JUST AS OUR CONSTITUTION GUARDS OUR RIGHT TO PRACTICE RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS, WE ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO CLEAN WATER. FAITH MUST BE RESPECTED BUT THERE IS A NEED TO REGULATE PRACTICE OF IMMERSION TO SAVE ENVIRONMENT