What began as a concern over improper disposal of sacred items has turned into an environmental and cultural initiative in Mangaluru. The Visarjane 2026 initiative not only raised awareness but also collected 12.5 tonnes of religious waste in just 10 days, setting a benchmark for responsible practices.
Massive Collection and Segregation
Between March 16 and 26, the campaign collected tonnes of religious waste, which was carefully sorted into nine categories. The collection included 15,000 photo frames of deities weighing about 4,500 kg, 2,500 idols and mementoes weighing 2,500 kg, 1,500 kg of paper and books, 1,200 kg of non-recyclable items, 800 kg of kumkum (vermilion) and prasad, 700 kg of plastic waste, 500 kg of metal items, 500 kg of wooden items and 300 kg of clothes, said Swami Jitakamananda, president, Ramakrishna Math, Mangaluru.
He said more than 450 volunteers from 10 organisations contributed over 2,250 man-hours to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
Respectful Disposal Process
As part of the respectful disposal process, an Udwasana Puja was conducted at Ramakrishna Math on April 3. Paper-based images of deities were disposed of as per religious practice and tulsi plants were planted as a sacred symbol. Recyclable materials have been sent to recycling units, while metal items worth approximately Rs 1 lakh, including silver, copper and brass, were handed over to the Kadri temple on Tuesday.
Model for Future Campaigns
The Visarjane 2026 initiative, organised with the support of Ramakrishna Mission's Swachh Mangaluru initiative, Swachh Mangaluru Prathishtana and MRPL, has emerged as a model campaign for the safe and scientific disposal of religious waste. The idea for the campaign was born on March 1 during a cleanliness drive near Kadri temple, where volunteers stumbled upon discarded photographs of deities, damaged idols and other sacred items.
The incident highlighted a key gap—while many people wished to dispose of such items respectfully, there was no proper system in place. This realisation led to the launch of the initiative. Formally inaugurated on March 16 at Ramakrishna Math, the campaign focused on awareness, collection, segregation, rituals and scientific disposal of religious waste.
Outreach and Participation
Extensive outreach was carried out through social media, mainstream media, informational videos and public meetings. Collection boxes were placed at key locations across the city, including Mangaladevi temple, Kadri Manjunatha temple, Fiza by Nexus Mall, City Centre Mall and Govindadasa College in Surathkal, drawing participation from around 6,000 people.
Alignment with Global Goals
With its structured approach combining faith, sustainability and civic responsibility, the Visarjane initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Organisers now plan to make it an annual initiative and expand it to other districts, taking this impactful model to a wider audience. Ramakrishna Mission Swachh Mangaluru campaign coordinator Ranjan Bellarpady and Mangala Resource Management MD Dilraj Alva were present.
