More than 500 “Green Kumbh” participants from more than 45 countries joined together in a celebration of dance and music organized by Ganga Action Parivar, led by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, to declare Ma Ganga, India’s Green Valentine on this Valentine’s Day.
Pujya Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji was supposed to join for the program but unfortunately due to closure of the bridge across the sangam, his car could not reach but he sent his message of support and love (his message is below).
The gathering was graced by the presence of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh and founder of Ganga Action Parivar, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudevji of Isha Foundation, Coimbatore, Sri Prem Baba, Brazilian spiritual leader and founder of Path of the Heart and Pujya B.A. Swami Paramadvaiti, a Vaishnaive spiritual leader from Germany and staunch environmentalist.
The lively rally showcased the colors of India’s flag and theatrics demonstrating all of Mother India’s beautiful, natural beauty. Of the flag’s colors, orange was the symbol for sunshine and alternative energy, white represents simplicity and purity to encourage living in a sustainable and simple way and green stands for the importance of organic farming plays in keeping Mother Ganga’s waters clean. Further participants from the different countries carried signs of their countries symbolizing the unity of everyone in the love for Mother Ganga and their support in her preservation.
HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the inspirer of the event, said, “Ganga is the past, present, and future of Mother India. She quenches our thirst, cleanses our bodies, irrigates our fields and brings divine liberation and purity to every moment of every day. Ganga has played in integral role in moving India forward, in every sphere from the cultural to the developmental, nurturing and nourishing all. She must be allowed to flourish if India is to flourish. Everyone can do their part to serve Ganga whether it is planting a tree, prohibiting plastic, or picking up trash in your local community. Make Ganga your green Valentine everyday.”
HH Pujya Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji said: “We have always used the water of holy rivers like Ganga and Yamuna to purify ourselves, but today we have reached a point where we have to clean this water. It’s not only the government that can do it. We will have to come together. Valentine’s Day, a day of love, is a perfect day of coming together in the name of Mother Ganga.”
Said Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati said: “Mother Ganga is a not only the divine provider of purity, moksha and spiritual connection. She is also verily the life and lifeline for nearly 500 million people, a Mother to all that live within Her vast reach. Despite her spiritual and cultural importance, 3 billion liters of harmful toxic waste, human sewage, and garbage are poured into Her every day. It is time for all people to reach out in love and service for Her.”
