Hindus celebrating Shree Krishn Janmashtami festival (birth of Lord Krishna) have been urged to carry out the ritual of flower dispersal (visarjan) with utmost respect and in accordance with environmental guidelines.
As Hindus conclude their seven-day celebration tonight (August 16) Sabha national secretary Pt Krishneel Krishan Tiwari urged everyone to preserve the sanctity of nature and our sacred rituals.
“We humbly request all members of the public, mandalis, mahila mandals, and Sanatan temples to disperse flowers in the sea or designated natural water bodies in a peaceful and orderly manner,” Mr Tiwari said.
“Do not dispose of any plastics, synthetic materials, garlands with wires, or any non-biodegradable items into the sea or rivers.
“Use only natural flowers and biodegradable materials during the dispersal. Ensure the safety of all participants, especially children, during the visarjan process.
“And, follow any local guidelines provided by town or city councils or the ministry concerned.”
The Sabha reminded everyone to uphold their religion (dharm) and responsibility to mother nature (prakriti) while completing this sacred ritual.
The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) says this is an opportune time to embrace sustainable ways of celebrating.
“Throwing plastics and other harmful materials into the sea after religious festivals remain a serious environmental concern in Fiji,” PRF founder Amitesh Deo said.
“Such practices contribute to ocean pollution, endanger marine life, disrupt ecosystems, and can also pose risks to human health.
This is a plea to all religious groups participating in visarjan following the celebrations this weekend to be vigilant about the materials they immerse.
Items like plastics and other non-biodegradable materials should never end up in our oceans.”