VADODARA/RAJKOT/SURAT/AHMEDABAD: This year, the festival of colours will assume a green glow proclaiming love for the planet as thousands of cow dung logs replace wood across major cities of Gujarat to light up the Holi fire.
The ritual will be held on Thursday. The use of cow dung logs will reduce the number of trees needed for firewood. Moreover, the eco-friendly initiative will financially empower cattle shelters.
In Gujarat, at least 50 gaushalas, the majority of them in Saurashtra and central Gujarat, have been making cow dung logs. The bulk of their products is delivered to those who have placed orders in advance even as last-minute orders pour in.
Ahmedabad-based Mital Khetani, associated with cow-based entrepreneurship, said, “Cow dung logs are gaining popularity and are predominantly being made by traditional gaushalas.”
In Vadodara, a group promoting the use of cow dung logs for the past three years has already sold over 50,000kg of eco-friendly logs. “We have supplied cow dung logs to more than 230 residential colonies this year and people are still calling for them,” said Viral Chaudhary, one of the volunteers.
“The idea is to reduce the use of wood for the Holi puja,” Chaudhary said. “Also, burning cow dung logs cleanses the air and helps in reducing pollution.”
A Vadodara-based businessman, Dipak Patel, whose society will use cow dung logs, says the trend will curtail need for wood.
Cow dung logs price ranges from Rs 5-15 per kg which is also cheaper than wood sold for bonfires at Rs 12-35 per kg
In Saurashtra people traditionally prefer blocks made of cow dung to wood. Rajendra Shah, a member of the state animal welfare board, said, “In Saurashtra, very few organizers use wood. Here, the majority use cow dung and grass.”
Gujarat Shree Surat Panjrapole, one of the biggest cattle shelters in south Gujarat, will make over 70 tonnes of cow dung logs against 10 tonnes last year. The shelter has more than 7,500 cattle that are injured, ill, or aged.
Cow dung logs have become a major source of income for the shelter that takes care of ill and old cattle,” said Atul Vora, the manager of the Gujarat Shree Surat Panjrapole.
“Given their benefits, cow dung logs are being used not only for Holi fires but also for hawans and cremations.”
Dharmesh Gami, a social worker who promotes cow dung logs, said, “Growing trend of using cow dung logs to wood will contribute to the betterment of cows.” Hence, the use has a sentimental value too, Gami said.
“The concept of ‘Vedic Holi’ is becoming popular. Most importantly, a large number of people are realizing that cutting trees is damaging the environment. Cow dung logs will become very popular,” said Vallabh Kathiria, former Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog chief
(Inputs from Yagnesh Mehta in Surat, Tushar Tere in Vadodara, Nimesh Khakhariya in Rajkot and Meghdoot Sharon in Ahmedabad)
The ritual will be held on Thursday. The use of cow dung logs will reduce the number of trees needed for firewood. Moreover, the eco-friendly initiative will financially empower cattle shelters.
In Gujarat, at least 50 gaushalas, the majority of them in Saurashtra and central Gujarat, have been making cow dung logs. The bulk of their products is delivered to those who have placed orders in advance even as last-minute orders pour in.
Ahmedabad-based Mital Khetani, associated with cow-based entrepreneurship, said, “Cow dung logs are gaining popularity and are predominantly being made by traditional gaushalas.”
In Vadodara, a group promoting the use of cow dung logs for the past three years has already sold over 50,000kg of eco-friendly logs. “We have supplied cow dung logs to more than 230 residential colonies this year and people are still calling for them,” said Viral Chaudhary, one of the volunteers.
“The idea is to reduce the use of wood for the Holi puja,” Chaudhary said. “Also, burning cow dung logs cleanses the air and helps in reducing pollution.”
A Vadodara-based businessman, Dipak Patel, whose society will use cow dung logs, says the trend will curtail need for wood.
Cow dung logs price ranges from Rs 5-15 per kg which is also cheaper than wood sold for bonfires at Rs 12-35 per kg
In Saurashtra people traditionally prefer blocks made of cow dung to wood. Rajendra Shah, a member of the state animal welfare board, said, “In Saurashtra, very few organizers use wood. Here, the majority use cow dung and grass.”
Gujarat Shree Surat Panjrapole, one of the biggest cattle shelters in south Gujarat, will make over 70 tonnes of cow dung logs against 10 tonnes last year. The shelter has more than 7,500 cattle that are injured, ill, or aged.
Cow dung logs have become a major source of income for the shelter that takes care of ill and old cattle,” said Atul Vora, the manager of the Gujarat Shree Surat Panjrapole.
“Given their benefits, cow dung logs are being used not only for Holi fires but also for hawans and cremations.”
Dharmesh Gami, a social worker who promotes cow dung logs, said, “Growing trend of using cow dung logs to wood will contribute to the betterment of cows.” Hence, the use has a sentimental value too, Gami said.
“The concept of ‘Vedic Holi’ is becoming popular. Most importantly, a large number of people are realizing that cutting trees is damaging the environment. Cow dung logs will become very popular,” said Vallabh Kathiria, former Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog chief
(Inputs from Yagnesh Mehta in Surat, Tushar Tere in Vadodara, Nimesh Khakhariya in Rajkot and Meghdoot Sharon in Ahmedabad)