Successful debut for Hindu Environment Week

Thousands of Hindus worldwide took part in the first ever Hindu Environment Week from February 17-24, 2014. Organised by the UK-based Bhumi Project, this impressive debut was marked by discussions, actions and celebrations of the environment in Hindu communities throughout India as well as Europe and the US.

Bhumi Project Manager Gopal Patel, who was himself in Chennai, India to attend the opening of an exhibition about Green Pilgrimage during Hindu Environment Week, noted the significance of the events:

“(It) was historic in many ways. It brought together Hindus from across the world, from different traditions, in a common cause in unprecedented numbers. A rough estimate is that 3,000 - 4,000 people participated in events during the week. In addition, never before have some of the major temples and pilgrimage sites in India held so many events in one week to raise awareness about the environment.”

It was encouraging that statements were issued endorsing Hindu Environment Week and the importance of the environment by Hindu authorities, including Sri Rameshbhai Oza and the office of the Shankaracharya of Dwarka.

While most places held a single event or day of events some sites organised a full 7-day programme. These included the historic Jagannath temple in Puri whose week included tree plantations, cleaning of the temple grounds, and encouraging local businesses to clean the main temple approach road and Varanasi where students at Benares Hindu University held events including a cycle rally to raise awareness about the environment, cleaning of the famous Kashi Viswanath temple and bathing spots on the banks of the river Ganges.

Highlights of the week

	Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, blesses the globe.

	Launching the Green Pilgrimage Network exhibition at Chennai.

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