Odisha's Shift to Cow Dung in Cremation Sparks Debate

The Odisha government proposes using cow dung cakes instead of firewood for cremation at Swargadwar in Puri. This initiative has been met with opposition from local figures who argue there is no traditional precedent and believe firewood to be the only appropriate material according to Hindu customs.

In a move set to spark debate, the Odisha government is planning to replace traditional firewood with cow dung cakes for cremations at the iconic Swargadwar in Puri. Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokula Nanda Mallik confirmed this initiative, citing the traditional importance of cow dung in Hindu practices.

Minister Mallik announced that discussions would be held with Swargadwar's managing committee, social organizations, and goshala operators to implement this proposal effectively. An official committee led by a deputy chief minister is also on the cards, aimed at further exploring additional uses for cow products to bolster cow protection, cattle shelter expansion, and dairy production.

However, detractors like Jagannath culture researcher Naresh Das and senior Jagannath temple servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra have raised objections. They argue that cow dung cakes lack traditional sanction, insisting firewood is the only suitable material for cremations as per Hindu scriptures.

(With inputs from agencies.)