VHP Launches Statewide Temple Cleanliness Drive Ahead of Diwali
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad aims to clean 50 temples in each taluka of Maharashtra on October 31 and November 1.
The cleanliness campaign targets at least 50 temples per taluka in Maharashtra.
Volunteers will focus on cleaning temple areas and promoting waste segregation.
The initiative includes community support for Diwali celebrations and assistance for underprivileged families.
In a significant move, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced a statewide temple cleanliness campaign in Maharashtra, scheduled for October 31 and November 1, ahead of the Diwali festival. The initiative, led by the Mandir Archak Purohit Sampark Ayam, aims to clean a minimum of 50 temples in every taluka, engaging local communities in the process.
This campaign builds on a similar initiative that has been ongoing for the past three years. According to Anil Sambare, the Kshetra Sampark Pramukh of VHP, the four-hour cleaning drives will take place from 7 AM to 11 AM. The organization is calling on temple trustees, priests, devotees, women’s groups, youth organizations, and environmental volunteers to join in the effort to clean not only the temples but also their surrounding areas.
The cleaning activities will include sweeping temple halls, courtyards, entrances, staircases, and adjacent roads, as well as collecting waste. Under the guidance of priests, participants will clean sanctums, idols, and ritual utensils. Those who cannot volunteer physically are encouraged to contribute cleaning materials or assist in other logistical arrangements. The campaign will also emphasize the importance of waste segregation and environmental responsibility.
Organizers have outlined specific waste management practices, including the separate collection of flowers, plastic, and general waste, with an emphasis on composting floral waste whenever possible. Volunteers are advised against burning waste or dumping it in drains, and they are urged to conserve water during the cleaning process. Each participating temple is expected to hold a planning meeting at least eight days prior to the drive to delegate tasks and estimate the number of volunteers needed.
In addition to the cleaning efforts, the initiative will extend into Diwali celebrations, with calls for temples to be safely illuminated and for community members to engage in collective Deep Puja. Volunteers are also encouraged to provide food grains, clothing, festive food, and other essentials to impoverished families while ensuring their dignity is respected. Furthermore, temples are requested to replace their saffron flags and organize a collective flag-worship ceremony involving newly married couples from various community groups in the area.
