The Paryavaran Gatividhi of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Punjab unit has started a campaign Green Maha Shivaratri Awareness Campaign, which aims to make Bharat plastic-free and cancer-free by engaging religious and social organisations to ban the use of disposable plates and plastic materials during Mahashivratri celebrations and encouraging the use of steel plates for langars and bhandaras in temples and public places.
Notably, this campaign is launched after the grand success of making Maha Kumbh 2025 eco-friendly in Prayagraj under the Ek Thaila, Ek Thali initiative of Paryavaran Gatividhi.
As part of this initiative, temples, community kitchens (langars), and social groups have been urged to replace plastic and thermocol disposables with eco-friendly alternatives like steel plates and biodegradable materials. The campaign emphasises the harmful effects of single-use plastics, which contribute to environmental pollution and health hazards, including cancer.
The response to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous religious institutions and local communities pledging their support. Many organisations and temples have already started implementing the use of reusable utensils for food distribution during Mahashivratri.
This campaign aligns with the broader vision of a cleaner and healthier Bharat, reinforcing the message of environmental responsibility.
This campaign also resonates with the Bharatiya spiritual ethos, where environmental protection is integral to devotion.
The entire universe is a creation of Bhagwan Vishwanath. He manifests in eight visible forms—water, fire, earth, air, sky, moon, sun, and the soul. From the Bharatiya philosophical perspective, the cosmic form of Bhagwan Shiv represents all living beings and the natural elements that sustain them. As a father figure to all beings, Bhagwan Shiv is pleased when people nurture and protect the environment. Conversely, harming any of these eight elements is akin to harming Shiv himself.
Shiv’s Physical Form Also Symbolises the Environment
Matted Hair (Jata): When King Bhagirath performed intense penance to bring the Ganges to Earth, Maa Ganga expressed concern about her powerful descent. To prevent destruction, Bhagwan Shiv contained the river in his matted locks. Similarly, tree roots perform the same function—absorbing rainwater and preventing soil erosion.
Snakes (Ornaments of His Neck): Shiv wears snakes as ornaments, signifying their role in ecological balance. Snakes control rodent populations, thereby protecting crops and maintaining the food chain.
Neelkanth (Blue Throat): During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), Bhagwan Shiv consumed the deadly poison that emerged, turning his throat blue. Likewise, trees absorb poisonous gases like carbon dioxide and release oxygen, sustaining life on Earth.
Tiger Skin (Baghambar): Bhagwan Shiv sits on a tiger skin, symbolising the need to protect endangered species like tigers, which are crucial to maintaining the food chain.
Ash (Bhasma): Shiv smears his body with ash, which has insulating properties, keeping the body cool in summer and warm in winter. Traditional ash is made from sacred woods, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
Nandi (Sacred Bull): Nandi, Shiv’s vehicle, symbolises the vital role of cattle in human survival. Protecting and nurturing cows and bulls is essential for ecological balance.
Bilva Tree (Sacred Bael Tree): This tree has the highest capacity to purify air, which is why bael leaves are used in Bhagwan Shiv’s worship, encouraging its conservation and plantation.
Himalayas: Bhagwan Shiv resides in the Himalayas, emphasising the importance of protecting mountains, forests, wildlife, glaciers, and water bodies for the well-being of humanity.
Tandava (Cosmic Dance of Destruction): Natural calamities like landslides, cloudbursts, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and climate change are signs of environmental imbalance. Shiv’s Tandava symbolises that humanity must protect nature to prevent its own destruction.
True Worship of Bhagwan Shiv: Preserving the Five Elements
The word “Bhagwan” (God) consists of five letters, each representing a natural element—Bhoomi (Earth), Gagan (Sky), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), and Neer (Water). Worshipping God, therefore, means protecting and nurturing these five elements.
Ek Thaila, Ek Thali Campaign—A Successful Initiative by Paryavaran Gatividhi in Maha Kumbh 2025
To make the 2025 Prayagraj Maha Kumbh green, clean, and plastic-free, the Environmental Protection Initiative launched the Ek Thaila, Ek Thali campaign. People from across the country donated cloth bags and steel plates to reduce plastic waste.
Results:
● 1.025 million steel plates, 1.3 million cloth bags, and 250,000 steel glasses were distributed for free at the Kumbh Mela.
● 80-85 per cent reduction in disposable plate and glass usage.
● 29,000-ton reduction in waste generation.
● Daily cost savings of Rs 3.5 crore on disposable items.
● 70 per cent reduction in food waste, as people were encouraged to take only what they could eat.
● Significant cost savings for religious organisations running free food distribution centres (langars).
● Long-term impact, as distributed steel plates can be used for years, reducing future waste.
● Cultural transformation, inspiring the creation of “Utensil Banks” for public events.
The Harmful Effects of Plastic Waste on the Five Elements
Water Pollution: Discarded plastic enters rivers and lakes, contaminating water sources and obstructing sewage systems. Microplastics prevent groundwater recharge, leading to water scarcity.
Soil Pollution: Plastic waste depletes soil fertility, affecting crop quality. Massive garbage piles, largely made up of plastic, tarnish the beauty of our cities.
Air Pollution: Burning plastic releases toxic gases, contributing to air pollution and respiratory diseases. Millions suffer from poor air quality worldwide.
Threat to Wildlife: Marine and terrestrial animals ingest plastic, mistaking it for food, leading to thousands of deaths among fish, turtles, cows, and birds.
Health Hazards: Harmful chemicals from plastic contaminate food and water, causing cancer, hormonal imbalances, and other severe illnesses. Using plastic utensils for hot food is hazardous.
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