Maha Kumbh 2025: ‘One Plate, One Bag’ Initiative Unveiled

In a major move to promote eco-friendly practices, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has launched the "One Plate, One Bag" campaign at Maha Kumbh 2025. The initiative aims to make the world’s largest religious gathering plastic-free by encouraging the use of cloth bags and steel plates and glasses instead of plastic alternatives.

Plastic-Free Initiative at Maha Kumbh
The campaign was officially launched by RSS Sah-Sarkaryavah Krishna Gopal on Old GT Road in Sector 18 of the Kumbh Mela. As part of this initiative, pilgrims are being provided with cloth bags and steel utensils to replace disposable plastic items. During the launch, Gopal stressed the importance of collective action in tackling the plastic problem and urged individuals to adopt eco-friendly alternatives in their everyday lives.

“Creating a plastic-free society requires collective effort. Simple changes like switching to cloth bags and reusable utensils can have a significant positive impact on the environment,” Gopal said during the event.

Support from Prominent RSS Leaders
The launch event was attended by notable RSS leaders, including:

• Rajendra Saxena, RSS Kshetra Marg Pramukh
• Ramesh Kumar, Prant Pracharak of the Kashi region

Both leaders emphasized the importance of environmental consciousness during religious gatherings and the need for sustainable practices to maintain the sanctity of the Maha Kumbh.

Eco-Friendly Appeal by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath
On Makar Sankranti and the first ‘Amrit Snan’ of Maha Kumbh on January 14, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath greeted the pilgrims and urged them to adopt eco-friendly practices. He emphasized the importance of avoiding single-use plastics during the pilgrimage and encouraged the use of sustainable alternatives.

Adityanath pointed out that while the Maha Kumbh is a significant spiritual and cultural event, it also has considerable environmental implications. He called on the public to take responsibility for keeping the event plastic-free, setting a positive example for future gatherings.

Key Objectives of the Campaign
The "One Plate, One Bag" campaign is centered around the following goals:

• Promoting Eco-Friendly Practices: Encouraging the use of reusable steel plates, glasses, and cloth bags instead of disposable plastic items.
• Raising Awareness: Educating people about the environmental harm caused by plastic and the need for sustainable alternatives.
• Setting a Precedent: Making the Maha Kumbh an example of a large-scale, eco-friendly event that others around the world can emulate.

Impact on Pilgrims and the Environment
With millions of pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh, the shift toward reusable items is expected to significantly reduce plastic waste during the event. By distributing cloth bags and steel utensils, the RSS hopes to inspire a sense of environmental responsibility among attendees during this spiritual gathering.

“Every individual must take this responsibility not just for the Kumbh but as a way of life,” Gopal emphasized.