AESDPC to ‘Go Green’ for Durga Puja

By Debashish Gupta

New Delhi: To contain water pollution resulting from immersion of idols, the Ashoka Enclave Durga Puja Committee (AESDPC) is taking an initiative to express environmental commitments by celebrating Durgotsav on 'Go Green' concept this year.

Idol immersion activities during certain festival occasions are adding to the pollution load of the water- bodies. Non-biodegradable materials and synthetic paints used for making these idols are posing serious threat to aquatic life and environment.

Being a multi-cultural country of myriad festivals, most people participate in the celebrations of various deities round the year and it seems quite impossible to remain aloof from the accompanied pomp and show while paying homage to the gods. Some of these festivals involve 'idol immersion' in water as the celebrations' finale. Beautifully carved and decorated idols are immersed into water bodies like rivers, ponds and lakes with prayers for success, happiness and peace. Two major festivals in India that involve idol immersion are 'Ganesh Chaturthi', dedicated to Lord Ganesha and 'Durga Puja', dedicated to Goddess Durga. The government seems to be contemplating a ban on idol immersions. However the mission of 'Clean India' is not solely the government's burden; rather it is a shared responsibility of every individual citizen and a community as a whole.

Team AESDPC aims to contribute its bit to the environment and have planned to craft an idol simply with the help of clay and natural colors. There will be no use of any chemical colors, cloth or artificial ornaments and weapon, which increase the pollution levels of Yamuna. Through the move, AESDPC wish to take this celebration to a whole new level that is not only graceful and vibrant, but also environment-friendly.