As millions of Indian homes overflow with marigold garlands and lotus petals after Diwali and Chhath pujas, a quiet environmental and spiritual crisis looms: what to do with wilted offerings that once adorned deities?
Hindu scriptures and eco-conscious devotees are now championing mindful disposal methods that honour both faith and Mother Earth.
According to ancient texts like the Padma Purana and Garuda Purana, flowers offered to gods absorb divine energy and must never be discarded carelessly. Throwing them in dustbins or allowing them to rot invites negative karma. Instead, the preferred ritual is gentle immersion in flowing water — rivers, ponds, or even a bucket of water poured beneath a tulsi or peepal tree — so the blooms return to nature while carrying devotees’ prayers.
For urban households facing water scarcity, innovative reuse is gaining traction. Dried petals are transformed into natural gulal for Holi, organic compost for kitchen gardens, or fragrant potpourri sachets placed in puja rooms and cupboards. Artisans in Vrindavan and Bengaluru are crafting eco-friendly incense sticks and biodegradable diyas from pressed flowers, turning devotion into sustainable livelihood.
Environmentalist-priests emphasise that plastic-coated or chemically dyed flowers — common in markets — should first be separated; only natural blooms merit sacred immersion. “Every petal offered with love deserves dignity in return,” says Acharya Pramod Krishnam of Delhi’s Kalkaji temple, urging devotees to buy local, seasonal flowers.
This festive season, the message is clear: true bhakti lies not just in offering fresh blossoms, but in bidding them a reverent farewell.