Summary:
Meerut: Nearly 350 Brahmins from Varanasi gathered at the Bhainsali ground of Meerut city on Sunday morning to begin a nine-day-long ‘mahayagya’ in which they will burn 500 quintals of mango wood to “reduce pollution”. This rather strange event organized by members of Shri Ayutchandi Mahayagya Samiti here has 108 hawan kunds (fire pits) made in a 125x125 square feet yagyashala (where priests sit to perform rituals). According to a scientific report, the Ozone layer above our country is the least damaged because of frequent yagyas.” But there is no policy under which a probe can be issued in this matter -- so there is little that we can do. The committee has even distributed pamphlets instructing those willing to contribute to the event: 100 quintals of black sesame seeds, 60 quintals of rice, 30 quintals of barley and 150 ghee boxes.Gyanendra Agarwal, president of the group, said, “Mango wood burnt after pouring pure ghee does not cause pollution..