IDOL IMMERSION

IDOL IMMERSION
India celebrates a number of festivals round the year but some of our very important festivals fall during the months from August to November namely Ganapathi in Western India, Durga Pooja in Eastern India and Deshera in North India, Diwali in whole if In India. There are many other regional festivals round the year like Baishakhi, Onam, Pongal, Bihu, and Holi.
I would however like to limit discussions on the subject of idol immersion in the rivers and sea. It is common knowledge that thousands of Ganesa idols are immersed on the Mumbai beaches and various rivers in Maharashtra every year. Similarly thousands of Durga idols are immersed in River Hooghly in Kolkata and other rivers of West Bengal. There may other such festivals.
The soil and colors not only pollute the water but the silt deposit also increases the risk of river flooding the villages, towns and cities on its way. It is rather impossible to desilt the riverbed of Hooghly in Kolkata, Yamuna in Delhi and Ganga in Kanpur.
We are a Nation of Idol worshippers and we are proud of our traditions. Idol worshipping is considered much effective for the purpose of concentration. It was probably okay when the population of the Country was no so huge and our rivers and seas were not so highly clogged with all sorts of refuse and garbage into them. Situation today is much different. We are a population of over 1.3 billion and almost 85% of it worships idols in one form or the other. Tons of waste material is already dumped into the rivers and seas.
Immersing the idols after the festivals are over only aggravates the already worsening situation. Tons of soil and harmful industrial colors are used for the making of the idols and eventually dumped into the rivers.
Would it not be more prudent to conserve the idols for as many years as possible rather than worship and throw. The idols can be made to last longer and can be used in coming year/years. This way we may help reduce the menace of silt deposit in the rivers and sea banks. I know a few friends who have installed Gold, Silver of cheaper metallic idols in their homes and not need to immerse them anymore. This may be a small step but if all of us who install Ganesha or Durga or any other idol at homes during festival times and immerse them after the festival is over, follow this practice, it will make a lot of difference.
Friends in Verdurez may have more effective solutions.