Anti-Dharma drive by PMC
Dharmashastra says that Ganesh idols should be immersed in flowing water. The purpose behind the same is the ‘sattvikata’ in Ganesh idols should be spread to far off places through flowing water. All Hindu festivals are complementary to environment. There are reports available certifying that immersion of Ganesh idols does not cause any kind of pollution; even then, unnecessary awe is created to keep away Hindus from abiding by their Dharma, under the excuse of water pollution. It is quite amusing that people, who never bother about the pollution caused by effluents and contaminated water throughout the year, are undertaking such drive during Ganesh festival, for prevention of pollution that does not happen due to immersion of Ganesh idols !
Pune: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is forcing people to immerse Ganesh idols using ammonium bicarbonate; exhibiting own ignorance and claiming that immersion in river causes lot of pollution. PMC is therefore, planning to take Ganesh-devotees, who want to immerse idols in river-water, away from abiding by their Dharmashastra. Mayor Prashant Jagtap has made an appeal during a program held at Bal Gandharva Theatre on 24th August, to Ganesh –devotees to immerse idols at home in buckets by using ammonium bicarbonate or in water-tanks erected for the purpose, in the name of conservation of environment. PMC Commissioner, Kunal Kumar, Kasba Ganapati Mandir’s trustee, Shri. Shete were also present. Demonstration on how to dissolve the Ganesh idol using the chemical was also shown on the occasion through a film.
Mayor Jagtap said
1. Even if all idols are made of clay, from where such soil is brought, causes erosion and harm to environment. (Ridiculous statement ! – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)
2. We should take care and see to it that river doesn’t get polluted during Ganesh festival. Lot of water has to be released for use during festival periods and it can be a warning bell for future. Immersion of idols causes pollution and the districts further down get polluted water. (Why doesn’t PMC take care and see to it that contaminated chemical water doesn’t get mixed with river water ? – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)
3. Immersing Ganesh idols using chemicals is not denigration of Shri Ganesh but it is good thing. (Does the Mayor have authority to take decision on whether immersion of Ganesh idols by using chemicals is right or wrong ? Showing no inclination to take advice of Dharmacharyas despite lacking in knowledge of Dharma-shastra, is hurting religious sentiments of devotees. – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)
Commissioner Kunal Kumar also made an appeal to immerse idols in water tanks or at home for protecting environment. Kasba Ganapati Mandir’s trustee Shete said, “After studying Holy Scriptures, it is realized that immersion in water tanks is the right thing to do. Art of Living’s Sri Sri Ravishankar is also in favour of immersion in water tanks.” (There are various branches under science of performing religious rituals; therefore, persons who have authority in this field like Saints, can be consulted for proper direction in such matters. – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)
Highlights
Handbills and posters prepared for the drive were distributed on this occasion. It was written that ‘Let us celebrate Ganesh festival by maintaining sanctity; by preserving environment and avoiding water pollution’, ‘Immersion of Ganesh idols in river and lakes causes lot of pollution’ etc. thus impressing upon people how immersion of idols in river, causes pollution. (It is being impressed upon people as if ritual of Ganesh idols immersion is destructive for environment; but the propagation of immersion using chemicals is against Dharma-shastra. Ganesh –devotees should unite and take PMC to task, in lawful manner. – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
