GREEN DURGA PUJA CELEBRATIONS

  GREEN DURGA PUJA CELEBRATIONS

 

“Celebrating Durga Puja in harmony with nature isn’t just about going green; it’s about showing respect to the Goddess and the planet she protects,” observed environmental activist and writer Gitanjali Rao.

 

WHAT IS DURGA PUJA?

 

Durga Puja is a pulsating and holy Hindu festival that symbolises the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishashura, a battle that represents the destruction of ignorance and wickedness. According to Hindu mythology, Mahishashura had gained a boon that gave him immunity and made him nearly invincible, and he terrorised and stalked the heavens and the earth. In light of this situation, and to check the evil demon, the Gods combined their divine energies to create the powerful Goddess Durga, who defeated him after a nine-day prolonged deadly battle.

 

DURGA PUJA

 

As the rhythmic beating of Dhak drums and the fragrance of Dhuno fills the air during Durga Puja, millions gather to celebrate the victory of all that is good. But as the splendour of this festival reaches new heights and takes flight, there is a parallel equally pressing battle that seeks our attention: the fight against environmental degradation. The spiritual and cultural powerhouse that is Durga Puja has a significant economic and ecological footprint, one that many are starting to reshape and redefine through eco-friendly practices. 

 

Actor and sustainability advocate Dia Mirza says, “When we embrace eco-friendly Durga Puja, we’re not only preserving our traditions but also gifting future generations a cleaner, greener world.”

 

THE ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL BOOM

 

Durga Puja is not just a dull religious celebration; it’s an economic engine, much like the new Vande Bharat train engines. Industries see a significant revenue spike during Durga Puja, from textiles to food stalls, tourism to hospitality, entertainment to transport. In West Bengal alone, the Puja industry generates billions of rupees annually. Local businesses—from artisans crafting clay idols to vendors selling festive garments—thrive during this period.

 

Social Media influencer and eco-conscious lifestyle promoter Rhea Kapoor says, “The true victory of good over evil lies not only in our rituals but in the choices we make to protect our environment during celebrations.”

 

Yet for all its cultural importance and economic benefits, Durga Puja or any festival leaves behind a trail of waste, noise, and environmental strain.

 

A GREEN REVOLUTION IN PUJA CELEBRATIONS

 

But the tides and the winds of change are blowing. Puja committees are pioneering sustainable ways to celebrate Durga Puja without compromising on tradition or the sheer joy of the festival. These green initiatives offer practical solutions to make this festival eco-friendly while preserving its cultural quintessence.

 

 6 WAYS AND STRATEGIES

 

1.    Biodegradable Pandals and Idols

 

Many Puja committees in the national capital use bamboo, cloth, and jute for their pandal decorations, rejecting synthetic materials and plastics. Clay and mud idols dissolve naturally in water, replacing chemically painted, highly toxic ones. This will ensure clean drinking water and safer aquatic life.

 

2.    Energy Efficiency

 

 

With energy consumption peaking during Durga Puja, using energy-saving LED lights is the day's fashion. Some organisers also encourage using traditional oil lamps (diyas) instead of electric bulbs. This saves energy and adds to the celebration's authenticity and novelty.

 

3.    Sustainable Transport

 

In major cities like Delhi, where pandal hopping is a favourite activity, bus shuttles are offered or arranged to ferry devotees from one pandal to another. Carpooling, shared rides, and public transport have also been aggressively promoted to reduce traffic congestion and control the festival's carbon footprint.

 

4.    Waste Management

 

Puja committees are setting up proper waste disposal systems and encouraging devotees to dispose of plates, cups, and food waste in designated containers. By joining hands with NGOs, excess food is distributed to those in need, ensuring no food goes to waste.

 

5. Reducing Noise Pollution

 

The traditional practice of blaring loudspeakers is now limited, especially at night, with many organisers opting for a quieter, more controlled celebration. This reduces noise pollution and makes the festival more inclusive, sensitive, and safe for older people, children and those sensitive to noise.

 

6. Eco-Friendly Dhunuchi

 

The smoke from the Dhunuchi – the incense burner used during aartis or traditional dance- symbolises prosperity. Instead of synthetic incense, eco-friendly Dhunos, using natural materials like coconut husk and herbs, are in vogue, offering a cleaner, greener alternative.

 

THE WAY FORWARD: SUSTAINABLE CELEBRATIONS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

 

As the world becomes more aware of climate change, festivals like Durga Puja provide an opportunity to ponder and muse on how cultural traditions coexist with environmental responsibility. The euphoria of Durga’s victory over Mahishashura can be a potent metaphor for the united jamming and fight against environmental degradation.

 

The shift towards eco-friendly Durga Puja is more than just a fad; it’s necessary. By adopting sustainable practices, we protect the environment and ensure future generations can experience the magic of Durga Puja without its environmental baggage.

 

Environmental activist Gitanjali Rao says, “Our festivals were meant to celebrate life, not destroy it. We must redefine these celebrations to honour tradition and our planet.”

 

Ultimately, Durga Puja has a crystal-clear message: Good always triumphs over evil. And today, this victory is more than mythology—it includes our constant fight to protect Mother Earth. This Puja, let’s honour both Maa Durga and the planet Earth she protects.