Hydro Chemical Changes in two Eutrophic Tapti Pond of Madhya Pradesh (Multai) after Immersion of Durga and Ganesh idol

Abstract

India is the country of rich cultural heritage and festivals. People here religiously follow the rituals and enjoy festivity. In Indian mythology, water is one out of the five elements, which form the universe. Water bodies play a significant vital role in performing rituals. These rituals include taking holy dip in sacred rivers and idol immersion. Thousands of these idols are immersed in different water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers and canals in and around different parts of India. These idols are made up of plaster of Paris, clay and cloth supported by small iron rods, and is painted with different metal-based paints. On immersion of these idols in the water bodies, the water is contaminated with these metal paints and a change in chemical load in the water body is expected. When idols immersed, these colored chemicals dissolve slowly leading to significant alteration in the water quality. Thousands of Ganesh & Durga idols of various sizes reaching heights up to 05 to 12 feet are immersed in different parts of the country.

Key Words: Immersion, Idol, Ritual, Ganesha, Durga