New Delhi: The nation is getting ready to celebrate Diwali with energy and enthusiasm as shoppers flood the stores buying diyas, candles, and lights. There are several myths that surround Diwali, but the most well-known one is that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after spending fourteen years in exile. People are making their last-minute purchases, along with buying idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi for the puja, while the little ones are enthusiastic about crackers.
Along with the fun and frolic, it is important to take care of the environment during festivals, Diwali in particular, as it involves the burning of crackers which causes a lot of pollution. Apart from this, the proper disposal of idols is also a major concern.
Diwali will be celebrated on October 24 this year, and the nation is lit up for the grand celebration. New idols of Mata Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are installed and the old one is replaced during the puja. However, a lot of people are unaware of what should be done with the old idols of Mata Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
What is done with the old idols?
According to Hinduism, the old idols ought to be submerged in a clear water body. Therefore, after the Diwali puja, the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha need to be immersed in a river or pond during the Visarjan Muhurat while chanting the Visarjan Mantra.
Typically, people worship clay idols. For prosperity, luck, and good health, they offer prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. After the prayer, a pure ghee lamp is kept blazing all night beside the idols.
It will be easier and more eco-friendly to dispose of items made up of natural materials. Apart from this, we can also donate the idols to the temples. In case the idols are made up of plastic or Plaster of Paris, they need to be disposed of in such a way so that it does not harm nature and they must be made sure not to throw them in water so that it does not cause water pollution.