Event Description
Title of the event: Energizing Devotion: Transforming Temple Waste into Clean Energy
Lavanya Kosuri, fueled by a passion for environmental sustainability, joined forces with her collaborator, Yash Jariwala, to orchestrate an impactful event aimed at raising awareness among devotees about waste generation from temples. Recognizing the need for a broader reach, the duo brainstormed innovative ways to infuse their initiative with a unique touch, ultimately deciding to focus on clean power, emphasizing sustainable waste and energy practices.
To truly understand and address the root causes of waste generation and energy consumption, Lavanya and Yash delved into fieldwork. Their meticulous research, including an examination of papers and studies on waste generation patterns, revealed a significant contribution to solid waste from religious institutions in India, particularly temples. The state of Tamil Nadu emerged as a focal point, known for its rich cultural and religious heritage and boasting the highest number of temples in India.
With the clock ticking for their third event, Lavanya and Yash identified the challenges faced by areas with a high concentration of religious and cultural sites, particularly regarding waste management amid increased visitor traffic. Temples, being hubs of worship and cultural significance, attract large crowds, leading to heightened waste generation in the vicinity.
Against this backdrop, Thiruvannamalai, synonymous with the renowned Karthigai Deepam festival, became the chosen venue. The festival, widely celebrated in Southern India, draws lakhs of devotees each year. With an anticipated crowd of 40 lakhs during the festival, Lavanya and Yash secured prior confirmation from municipal bodies and strategically selected these four days to conduct their on-ground event. The mission was clear: to instil awareness, promote sustainable practices, and lay the groundwork for a more environmentally conscious and responsible future.