Nagpur: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad ’s Mandir Archak Purohit Sampark Ayam has called for a statewide temple cleanliness campaign ahead of Diwali , setting a target of covering at least 50 temples in every taluka of Maharashtra on Oct 31 and Nov 1.
As part of the programme, temples have been asked to replace their saffron flags and organise a collective flag-worship ceremony involving 11 or 21 newly married couples from different community groups in the neighbourhood. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nagpur | Silver Rate in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur | Petrol Price in Nagpur | Diesel Price in Nagpur | CNG Price in Nagpur | LPG Price in Nagpur Stay updated with the latest Nagpur news. As per the media statement issued by Anil Sambare, the organisation’s Kshetra Sampark Pramukh, the four-hour drives, scheduled from 7am to 11am, will build on an initiative conducted in Maharashtra over the past three years. Organisers have urged temple trustees, priests, devotees, women’s groups, youth organisations and environmental volunteers to participate in cleaning temples and their surroundings. The work will include sweeping temple halls, courtyards, entrances, staircases and adjoining roads and collecting waste. Cleaning of sanctums, idols and ritual utensils is to be carried out under priests’ guidance. Organisers have also encouraged people unable to volunteer physically to contribute cleaning materials or help with other arrangements. The campaign will emphasise waste segregation and environmental responsibility. Flowers and other offerings, plastic and general waste will be collected separately, with composting of floral waste encouraged wherever feasible. Organisers have asked volunteers not to burn waste or dump it in drains and to avoid wastage of water. Local coordinators will be appointed to mobilise participation. The initiative will also extend to Diwali celebrations. Organisers have called for temples to be illuminated safely and for community members to hold collective Deep Puja. Volunteers have been urged to provide foodgrains, clothes, festive food and other essentials to poor and needy families, while respecting their dignity. Download the TOI App.
Each participating temple has been asked to hold a planning meeting at least eight days before the drive to allocate duties and estimate volunteer requirements.