বাংলায় পড়ুন
The century-old tradition at Ramakrishna Mission Belur Math to display fireworks on the day of Sadharan Utsav is going to change now. The Ramakrishna Math and Mission authorities have decided not to display fireworks this year during the Sadharan Utsav celebrations. The General Secretary of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Swami Suvirananda said,
The step has been taken to support the anti-pollution drive in the city.
He also expressed his critical thoughts regarding the rising of air pollution in the city and mentioned how this issue was being discussed in different forums including the Supreme Court and High Court. Swami Suvirananda said that cultural programmes will be held during the celebrations instead of the fireworks display. The ‘Sadharan Utsav’ is celebrated every year on the following Sunday after Sri Ramakrishna's birth anniversary. Previously, firecrackers were displayed after the evening prayer and thousands of devotees and monks from all around the country gathered at Belur Math and enjoyed the grand show. People living in areas near Belur Math would watch the show from their terraces and some people even hired boats to watch it from River Hooghly. The fireworks display used to take place in front of the building where Swami Vivekananda used to stay. Environmental activists of the city, however, have welcomed the initiative. Kalyan Rudra, the chairman West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) said,
We should congratulate the concerned authorities. The air quality has deteriorated and it gets worse during winter and when RKM takes a decision then it is going to inspire their followers and will strengthen the movement to save the environment.
