It is that time of the year again. We are again seeing pooja material along with idols of the deities being dumped under the peepal trees. Hordes of spent marigold flowers used for navratri along with the khetri so diligently and devoutly worshiped during the nine days, being unceremoniously dumped in the street corners or under the trees. It is as if the once revered and keenly worshiped khetri is no longer useful, having served its purpose.
The big peepal tree in front of HDFC Bank in C block market sees a slew of broken statues with waste flowers and what not being dumped here by Basti people. Then you have statues of deities lining your boundary walls, left quietly under the cover of darkness. The worst is when they are left by the sidewalk, under the trees or lining the pavement. Open to elements and filth of all sorts. How can this be agreeable to anyone?
Should we not look at a sustainable, more respectful way of treating our idols and Puja waste? How about buying idols that are soluble in water and immersing them each Diwali in a tub of water to dissolve them. The same water can be used to water plants at home or in parks. How about donating spent flowers to incense stick makers, who convert them into making eco friendly incense. There are myriad ways in which we can do this and protect our environment as well as our faith. No amount of prayers will make your wishes come true if your deities are discarded in such an unceremonious manner.
