London, UK: A video of Indian-origin devotees performing the Ganesh Visarjan ritual in a river in London has gained over 1.6 million views on Instagram. The footage captures devotees in traditional attire immersing a Ganesh idol, marking the end of the Ganeshotsav festival. This ritual includes offerings of haldi (turmeric), kumkum (vermilion), and flowers before submerging the idol in flowing water, a practice that symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s return in the following year.
While the video has received admiration for showcasing cultural traditions, there are concerns regarding the environmental impact of idol immersions in natural bodies of water, particularly outside India. Viewers have commented on the potential harm to aquatic life and called for more eco-friendly practices during such rituals. In response, some commenters noted that the idol was reportedly made from clay, emphasizing its environmental sustainability.
- Why it matters: The event highlights cultural expressions of the Indian diaspora in foreign countries and raises awareness about environmental sustainability practices during religious rituals.
- The latest: The discussion around the video continues, with users promoting environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional idol immersions.
Source: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/devotees-perform-ganesh-visarjan-in-london-river-video-goes-viral-gruslasm
Source: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/devotees-perform-ganesh-visarjan-in-london-river-video-goes-viral-gruslasm