The Ek Thaila, Ek Thali campaign by the Paryavaran Gatividhi, inspired by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025, is a ground-breaking environment initiative that aligns eco-friendly responsibility with cultural heritage. Launched with the aim of making Maha Kumbh 2025 eco-friendly, this initiative has garnered nationwide and global attention for its holistic approach, involving environmental protection and spiritual engagement.
The origin of this initiative trace back to a vision of making the Maha Kumbh 2025 environmentally sustainable. Ek Thaila, Ek Thali like experiment was first successfully implemented during the Haridwar Kumbh in 2020 by using pattals (leaf plates) instead of single-use plastic plates. The Paryavaran Gatividhi team observed significant environmental challenges, primarily due to the extensive use of plastic and thermocol plates by food vendors and restaurants. Recognising the need for a sustainable alternative, volunteers of Paryavaran Gatividhi collaborated with vanvasi (tribal) communities across Bharat. These efforts resulted in the widespread use of biodegradable pattals, made by the people from Northeast, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and other States. This not only reduced environmental harm but also provided employment opportunity to the vanvasi community.
From Pattals to Steel Plates
Building on the success of pattals, Paryavaran Gatividhi expanded the campaign in Maha Kumbh 2025 and is promoting the use of steel plates (thalis), further reducing the dependence on single-use plastics. The steel thali consists of four compartments. Volunteers of Gatividhi have appealed to the citizens across Bharat to send steel thalis for Kumbh and homemade cloth bags using old sarees and garments, emphasising the importance of recycling. This appeal resonated and inspired individuals from urban and rural areas to contribute to the cause.
Cloth Bags: A Sustainable Alternative
The campaign also addressed the rampant use of disposable plastic bags by promoting Ek Thaila (one bag). Paryavaran Gatividhi has distributed cloth and jute bags to eliminate the need for plastic bags at Maha Kumbh. This will encourage the pilgrims to carry their purchases in these reusable bags, reducing plastic non- biodegradable polybags. Volunteers of Gatividhi has also advised the pilgrims to use cloth bags for items like sindoor, crafts and other purchases related to rituals urging them to avoid unnecessary plastic waste.
To further bolster the campaign’s environmental impact, the Paryavaran Gatividhi has taken another step for innovative waste management solutions. Around 3,000 boats operating on the Ganga are equipped with dustbins, and boatmen have been given training in maintaining cleanliness. This will ensure that the sacred Ganga river remains pollution-free.
Other Programmes boosting the campaign
Ghar-Ghar Mein Kumbh: Every person cannot come to Maha Kumbh, but this programme has connected every household to Maha Kumbh by encouraging families to contribute steel plates and cloth bags. These contributions are treated with reverence, symbolising the spiritual and cultural significance of the campaign.
Jan-Jan Mein Kumbh: By leveraging the power of social media, the campaign reached millions of people, particularly the youth. The initiative turned sustainable practices into a trend, encouraging widespread participation and awareness.
Kumbh Mein Kumbh: Once these steel plates and cloth bags are collected, Gatividhi is distributing them at the Ashrams and rest houses within the Kumbh premises. Collaboration with Ashrams and other organisations reinforced the message of environmental responsibility.
A Global Movement
Paryavaran Gatividhi’s efforts have transformed Ek Thaila, Ek Thali into a nationwide movement. What sets this campaign apart is its deep connection with rural people. Contributions poured in from villages across the country, showcasing the spirit of unity and collective responsibility. While talking to Organiser, Manish Pathak, media In-charge of Paryavaran Gatividhi said, “More than 25 lakh steel plates and cloth bags have already been collected from across the country. This contribution is a matter of great reverence for the people. They are sending these thalis to their local temples and the volunteers of gatividhi are collecting and transporting them to Prayagraj.
The campaign’s success also attracted contributions from Bharatiya diaspora in countries like Australia and the USA, where participants are contributing to this cause through their relatives in Bharat.
Pathak added, “This initiative has touched people’s hearts. Many contributors view their steel plates and cloth bags as sacred contributions to the Kumbh, connecting them spiritually even if they may not attend in person.”
“This initiative is not just about environmental sustainability; it is about connecting people to their roots. The plates and bags symbolise devotion, and is a reflection of Bharat’s collective faith and determination,” Manish Pathak further said.
Notably, the success of Ek Thaila, Ek Thali is a testament to the power of collective action. Paryavaran Gatividhi has set a benchmark for sustainable practices at large-scale events by addressing environmental challenges while celebrating Bharat’s rich cultural heritage. The campaign is not just an environmental effort but a movement that unites communities, promotes sustainability, and preserves Bharat’s spiritual essence.
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