The Mahakumbh, one of the worlds largest spiritual gatherings, is underway at Prayagrajs Triveni Sangam, where millions of devotees are coming together for the sacred dip. This year, a significant initiative to reduce the environmental impact of the event has been launched. The One Plate, One Bag campaign is making strides in ensuring that the Mahakumbh 2025 remains plastic-free, with the help of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other local organizations.
Eco-Friendly Measures to Combat Plastic Waste
To combat plastic pollution, the campaign promotes the use of cloth bags and steel plates and glasses, which are being distributed to pilgrims and vendors. RSS Sah-Sarkaryavah Krishna Gopal inaugurated the campaign in Sector 18, Prayagraj, on the Old GT Road, urging attendees to adopt sustainable practices. According to Murar Tripathi, the RSS Prant Prachar Pramukh, approximately 70,000 cloth bags have already been distributed from six designated centres, and over 2 million steel plates and glasses have been collected from across the country for the Mela.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers Appeal
On January 14, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his wishes to the pilgrims for the first Amrit Snan of this Mahakumbh and encouraged everyone to adopt eco-friendly habits. Specifically, he urged the avoidance of single-use plastics, highlighting their detrimental effects on both the environment and public health.
The Campaigns Impact and Support
The campaign has been met with positive reception from both the public and spiritual leaders, with prominent figures such as RSS Kshetra Marg Pramukh Rajendra Saxena and Ramesh Kumar, the Prant Pracharak of the Kashi region, supporting the initiative. This collective effort aims to foster a sense of responsibility among devotees, urging them to adopt habits that will benefit both the sacred gathering and the environment.
Google Celebrates Mahakumbh with Virtual Petal Shower
As the Mahakumbh continues, even tech giants like Google are joining in the celebrations. The search engine has introduced a special petal animation on its homepage to mark the ongoing event. When users search for terms like Kumbh Mela or Mahakumbh, they are greeted with a virtual shower of rose petals. This unique digital tribute enhances the global awareness of the Mela and adds a festive touch to the online experience.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
The Mahakumbh 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the integration of sustainability with spiritual practices. With the continued efforts of local authorities, organizations like RSS, and the support of devotees, the goal is to make this event not just a significant religious gathering, but also a symbol of collective responsibility towards a greener, plastic-free future.
