Indore Emphasizes Importance of Clean Air During Major Festivals

By Sudhir Gore, April 19, 2023

INDORE: Indore sent out a strong clean air message to the country during Holika Dahan and Rangpanchami – two major festivals that see massive public participation.

Holi, the festival of colors, is a time to rejoice in the arrival of spring, bid farewell to winter, celebrate love, and repair broken relationships. It is also an invocation for a prosperous spring harvest season. Holika Dahan, which takes place the night before Holi, is celebrated with enthusiasm in almost every nook and corner of the city. Typically, these celebrations include bonfires, but this year Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav asked communities to stop burning wood to ensure minimum impact to the city’s air quality index (AQI). 

“We should celebrate this year's Holi with an environmentally conscious mindset,” said Mayor Bhargav. “To improve the city's AQI, we use minimum wood during the Holi bonfire."

On March 12, the day of Rangpanchami, the Rajwada historic area of Indore was immersed in colors with a Ger procession of over 500,000 people. Historical monuments were covered and protected during Rangpanchami and efforts were made to keep harmful chemicals away by using eco-friendly dyes. Following the conclusion of the celebration, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) took swift action to clear the area of dust and debris, deploying approximately 700 sanitation workers, 10 sweeping machines, 60 garbage-collecting vehicles, and roughly 30 water tankers to thoroughly clean the entire procession route in a mere one and a half hours.

The Legend of Holika and Prahalad

The celebration of Holika Dahan signifies the triumph of good over evil. According to the legends, on this day, Hiranyakashipu, a demon, sought to kill his son Prahlad with the help of his sister, Holika. Hiranyakashipu was resentful of Prahlad's unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu. The Burning of Holika, or Holika Dahan, commemorates the tale of Holika and Prahlad. Holika believed that her boon, which granted her immunity to fire, would allow her to kill her nephew Prahlad by sitting with him in a bonfire. However, she ended up getting burnt herself, while Prahlad was spared. 

Ger, the colourful event

'Ger' is a festive event also known as "Phag Yatra" that attracts thousands of revellers in Indore, who gather informally to immerse themselves in the festivities. The colourful procession takes place on Rang Panchami (fifth day of Holi fastival), and travels through various parts of the city before arriving at the historic Rajwada, the palace of the Holkars, the former rulers of Indore. Here, a group of revellers indulge in a colourful shower of powder. The tradition of 'Ger' dates back to the princely era, when members of the Holkar dynasty would celebrate Holi with the public on the streets. During this time, bullock carts carrying colours were used to shower the revellers.

Road dust is a significant threat to air quality and public health in Indore. Clean Air Catalyst, a global partnership supported by US Agency for International Development, is doing further analysis of the sources and root causes of this type of particulate pollution in order to identify cost-effective solutions that will ensure public health while improving the city’s throughfares. The work of the project, led by World Resources Institute India and Environmental Defense Fund, was highlighted by officials during the celebration. Mahesh Sharma, IMC Superintendent Engineer said, “IMC is taking various steps not only to maintain cleanliness in the city but also to improve the environment and air quality so that people can lead healthier lives.”

Additionally, IMC is developing 108 Ahilya Vans (City Forests) in Indore so that there is more greenery in the city to help improve the air quality. IMC is also planting saplings in vacant lands and road dividers. To reduce air pollution, IMC is encouraging industries to change the traditional fuel used in their boilers to Compressed Natural Gas. Electric auto rickshaws are also being introduced in place of traditional gas-powered auto rickshaws.