The Ganges River: Soiled & Sacred, Now Political

Last updated on: August 22, 2014 at 4:37 pm by George G. Coe

The Ganges River: Soiled & Sacred, Now Political 2014-08-22T16:37:33-05:00 George G. Coe

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Cleaning the sacred Ganges River is now at the center of the big Indian election campaign, the results of which will be announced on Friday, according to this fascinating story in the New York Times.

Hindus believe that they can escape the cycle of rebirth if their dead bodies are burned on the edges of the Ganges River.

But now, the river itself is in need of rebirth. According to one environmental scientist, “the stench along the uneven cobblestone steps in parts of Varanasi is overpowering.” He further notes that “three hundred million liters of raw sewage mixed with industrial pollutants are dumped in the Ganges here every day.”

The plight of the river has become political, according to the Times. Narendra Modi, the front runner for prime minister, promises to clean up the river. It’s a popular position. According to one Indian writer, “Modi’s approach with Varanasi, is definitely for a lot of Hindus, a call to the ancient past.” “It’s an attempt to create a Hindu symbol and it’s a call to clean up the pollution of the culture.”

Uncategorized

Ganges River

Hinduism

Previous Post

May 13, 2014

Happy Birthday Sidhartha

Next Post

May 16, 2014 Muslims in the United States: A People's History

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month May 2019 January 2017 December 2016 October 2016 September 2016 July 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

I am a large sheet that came down from heaven, filled with animals both clean and unclean. I changed Peter's understanding forever. What am I?

Select your answer to see how you score.

A dream Peter's vision A sign from God A heavenly message