Abandoned Divinity: Idols Awaiting Visarjan at Ganga Ghats Raise Concerns
Dubela, Satrajit Das: During the traditionally energetic worship and idol immersion ceremonies, the ghats along the Ganga River are filled with life. However, now the Ganga River during idol immersion ceremonies presents a different scene: abandoned towering goddess idols, frozen mid-wait, their veneration and ritual of visarjan left incomplete. These images capture fragments of rituals long gone. Positioned higher than the ghat, the photo shows idols on their elaborate thrones, draped in floral adornments, armed with weapons of war, their grandeur surrounded by plastic litter and visible neglect.
These idols, which once represented vibrant rituals of divine feminine worship, now stand forgotten, their vibrant faces staring into nothingness. Locals have their own theories about the delays: lack of coordination, missed immersion slots, or community puja transport issues. Whatever the reason, the eyes of these deities continue to attend the rituals, as parasocial conversations around devotion spark debates about the consideration given to religion and faith.
Environmental experts and cultural theorists have voiced their concerns. In addition to being disrespectful to religious sentiments, breaking sacred customs puts the riverbanks at risk of pollution. To ensure the responsible and respectful handling of such events, many are advocating for an organized strategy that combines the efforts of civic coordinators and puja organizers. To restore ecological balance and ritual sanctity, swift action is required, whether these idols are to be removed or submerged with honor.
