Hindu Krishna Janmashtami festival puts ocean care in the spotlight as PRF urges eco-friendly visarjan
As Fiji marks the Krishna Janmashtami festival, the Pacific Recycling Foundation is urging the public to protect the environment during visarjan rituals. PRF founder Amitesh Deo warns that throwing plastics and other non-biodegradable items into the ocean after religious celebrations remains a serious concern in Fiji. He says such practices fuel ocean pollution, endanger marine life, disrupt ecosystems, and even pose risks to human health. Deo is calling on religious groups to be mindful of what they immerse and to use proper disposal methods where available. He also believes religious leaders should use their influence to promote eco-friendly practices, stressing that caring for the ocean should be seen as an important part of devotion.
Context from recent community actions shows a growing trend to align sacred traditions with environmental stewardship. In Ram Navami-related events at the foreshore, local Hindu organizations urged participants to avoid plastic and non-biodegradable materials, with bins provided along the seaside and police support to ensure orderly conduct. The Suva City Council has approved coastal ceremonies like Ganga Pooja for proper waste management, with guidelines centered on using biodegradable materials and designated disposal points. These examples illustrate a broader commitment within Fiji to merge spirituality with ecological responsibility, a path that PRF’s message reinforces during Krishna Janmashtami.
Deo’s emphasis on practical action complements ongoing campaigns by PRF that mobilize communities—especially youth and grassroots recyclers—in advocating for tangible waste-management solutions rather than superficial sustainability gestures. By encouraging responsible disposal of recyclables and respectful, environmentally conscious immersion practices, the initiative aims to deepen devotion through stewardship of Fiji’s oceans.
Additional value and potential impact:
– Encourages a faith-based inclusive approach to environmental action, potentially broadening participation across communities.
– Builds on existing local practices of providing disposal bins and law-enforcement coordination to ensure safe, clean rituals.
– Points toward a longer-term program of youth engagement and grassroots advocacy in Fiji’s waste-management efforts.
If you’re planning on participating in visarjan events:
– Check for any local guidelines about materials that can be immersed and the locations of disposal bins.
– Prefer natural, biodegradable materials for offerings.
– Support or organize clean-up efforts along coastal areas after ceremonies.
Summary in Fijian
Na iVola oqo e baleta na festivali ni Krishna Janmashtami e Fiji, ka tukuna oti na Pacific Recycling Foundation me kena qarauni na wai ena gauna ni vakaraitaki visarjan. E tukuna tiko ni na vakacacana na plastik kei na veika sega ni biodegradable ena wai, ka nodra cala na bula ni wai kei na kedra bula. E kerea tale ga na matavutaki ni lotu me vakayagata na veikacana vakalotu oqo, me sega ni curu ki na mataveilewai ni vakarerevaki na wai; na veiqaravi ni vakabauta me baleta na veiqaravi vakalevu ni leqa ni wai e dua na ivakarau ni veivakadonui. Na ituvaki oqo e vakarora tiko kina na veika e caka ena gauna ni vakaraitaki visarjan kei na kena yabaki kei na veiqaravi ni vanua ena veidokadoko ni wai kei na masi ni veiqaravi, me vakavinakataki kina na gauna ni lotu kei na marorovi ni vanua.
Note: A concise Fijian summary is provided above to reflect the core points for local readers while preserving the article’s emphasis on environmental stewardship during religious celebrations.
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