Chetia Agrani Durga Puja Highlights Ganga Pollution

The Chetia Agrani Durga Puja celebrated with a theme on Ganga pollution emphasized eco-friendly initiatives. Symbolic rituals drew large crowds to highlight the pollution issues affecting the holy river. Organizers aim to inspire public awareness on preserving the Ganga, portraying its significance and current environmental struggles.

The renowned Chetia Agrani Durga Puja, celebrated Tuesday night, captured the essence of Kashi's temple city and the iconic ghats of Varanasi. A symbolic Shiv Mandir Ganga Aarti ceremony drew throngs of devotees, spotlighting the Ganga river's pollution issue, as organizers stressed the river's vital role in religious practices and societal health.

Artisans utilized eco-friendly materials to craft motifs representing the Ganga, aiming to inspire efforts to preserve the river. Shatabdi Das Karmakar of the organizing committee indicated that this year's theme, 'Ganga Dhushan', underscores the urgency to protect the Ganga, with a pandal embodying three months of preparation and significant community support.

Committee member Rilina Basu noted that the event is designed to provoke reflection on river conservation, displaying motifs of human and river symbiosis within the pandal narrative. Concurrently, religious observances continued nationwide, with devotees paying homage at prominent temples during Shardiya Navratri celebrations.

(With inputs from agencies.)