: With an aim of spreading the message of preventing ecological damage by pilgrims in and around the famous Sabarimala hill shrine, a 20 member group of devotees today left for the temple, carrying the traditional 'Iru Mudi' in eco friendly parcels and also saplings to be planted there.
Advocate Gandhi, coordinator of the group, said that they would not only offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa, but spread the message "Protect the greenery..Protect Sabarimala".
"The pilgrims will carry 'Iru Mudi' (a small bundle containing coconut,ghee, holy ash, turmeric, sandal paste) in eco-friendly parcels. They will also have with them not only pooja articles, but also saplings of sandalwood, teak and other varieties for being planted there," he said
He said nearly four crore pilgrims visit the temple during the pilgrimage season and as such it was necessary to protect the hills around the temple from dumping of plastic waste by them.
Though the Supreme Court had ordered a ban on plastic use in the hills, it was necessary to create awareness about the damage caused by the plastic to the environment, he said.
Gandhi said Pathanamthitta district officials on coming to know of their interest in protecting the environment in and around the shrine, had said they would receive them at the shrine.
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