The ongoing Brahmakalashotsava at the Kateel Temple in Karnataka that started from January 22, and finish on February 3 has been decided to keep plastic-free. Not only during the festival, but the temple authorities have decided to avoid using plastic in the future as well.

Reportedly, the temple management committee is expecting as many as 25 lakh devotees from all over India, and preparations are already in place to serve them food and prasadam without using plastic containers.

To serve coffee and tea, paper cups will be used. On the other hand, the food at the dining hall will be served on plantain leaves; steel and areca sheaths will also be used. A temple priests told the press that the authorities might also bring in plates made of fiber to serve food.

Not only this, but the temple officials will avoid using plastic in outdoor publicity materials like buntings and banners for temple-related activities. Instead, cloth will be used to perform this task. In addition, packaged drinking water bottles will not be allowed in the temple premises. As its replacement, a reverse osmosis plant has been installed to serve water to the devotees.

Yet, sanctified water or teertha will be distributed in better graded plastic bottles till the time an eco-friendly alternative is identified for this purpose.