The Yearn To Respire

Change a million lives in 10 Years

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India is a land of diversity and grand festivals. We are a nation that relishes celebrations. And when it comes to rejoicing them, we like to do it big, be it Deepavali, Holi, Durga Puja, Navratri, Ganapati or more. Although, these anticipated festivals of happiness hold repercussions on our environment and ecosystem. The immersions of idols made from PoP and non-biodegradable materials harm marine life and augment acidity levels in our oceans, flooding them with chemicals and toxins. Along with the immersion of idols, submerging palatable sweets and flowers in the ocean has severe consequences. Through the initiative of the Bhumi foundation, I got the opportunity to engage in a beach cleanup post the kaleidoscopic festival of Dusshera. My hands-on experience at the cleanup alarmed and enlightened me of the damage we are inflicting on the biome by celebrating the festivals in an irresponsible and non-eco-friendly way. After a day or two of the immersion, several stretches of beaches are heaped with dried flowers, leaves and fruits along with busted parts of the PoP idols. Celebrating these adored festivals without having any damaging consequences on the environment is of utmost significance. Hence, employing the use of eco-friendly idols made from organic materials like mud and clay and using natural colours made from gerru, turmeric etc. or poster colours instead of utilising synthetic colours would make a great difference. Also, immersion can be done at a community level by using a local immersion tank or artificial tanks instead of submerging the idols in natural water bodies. Our oceans yearn to breathe freely and nursing them is our primary obligation.

- Greeshma Hedvikar