A video showing devotees pouring over 165 litres of desi ghee into the River Ganga during the 2026 Magh Mela at Triveni Sangam has sparked nationwide controversy. The ritual offering, documented and shared widely on social media, has divided Indians between those defending religious freedom and others condemning environmental harm.
What Happened
The incident occurred during the Magh Mela, an annual Hindu gathering at Prayagraj where millions of pilgrims bathe at the sacred confluence. Footage shows approximately 11 large cans of ghee being emptied directly into the river as part of a religious ceremony. Devotees believe such offerings bring divine blessings and demonstrate spiritual surrender.
The Ganga ranks among India’s most polluted rivers, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The river receives approximately 3,000 million litres of untreated sewage daily, along with industrial waste and plastic contamination.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga has invested over โน30,000 crore since 2014 to reduce pollution levels through sewage treatment plants and awareness campaigns.
Where Opinions Diverge
Social media exploded with opposing views. Environmental activist Priya Menon stated on Twitter that such acts contradict genuine devotion. She argued that the Ganga is worshipped as a mother yet poisoned daily, adding that the ghee could have fed hundreds of hungry families.
Social media users raised concerns about oxygen depletion from organic matter killing fish, questioning whether such outcomes align with scriptural teachings.
Marine biologists warn that sudden organic matter dumps can trigger algal blooms and bacterial growth, further degrading water quality. The Ganga supports over 140 fish species, many now endangered due to pollution, according to the Wildlife Institute of India.
Several temple committees across Uttar Pradesh have begun promoting biodegradable offerings and symbolic rituals. The Haridwar-based Ganga Seva Nidhi introduced flower composting programs in 2024, preventing tons of ritual waste from entering the river.
The incident reignites India’s ongoing struggle to balance ancient customs with ecological survival, particularly as climate change intensifies pressure on natural water sources.
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