H.H. Swami Harshanandaji Sri Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore
Pooja in the spirit of the scriptures..
- The efforts of Bala Gangadhar Tilak have lead to the Ganapati festival taking social dimension,, and it has now become a popular festival all over the country.
- According to the scriptures, the idol of Ganapati has to be prepared from clay obtained from the tanks, ponds, lakes and other water bodies.
- Unfortunately, the practice of using toxic chemicals to paint the idols has lead to a lot of environmental damage. This has to be stopped , and only natural dyes of vegetable origin have to be used.
- Also, in the name of Ganapati festival, a lot of activities that are against the spririt of our religion are taking place in the Ganapati pandals during the puja days and also during immersion.
- Such activities must be avoided as it sets a very wrong precedent to our younger generation.
- We need to wake up and observe this festival in a way suggested by our scriptures and approved by the great Gurus of this land.
- The festival must be celebrated in a way that will elevate the people participating in it and ensures no damage is done to the precious eco-system.