A viral video showing nearly 11,000 litres of milk being poured into the Narmada River during a religious ritual in Madhya Pradesh has sparked a widespread debate over faith, environmental responsibility, and public welfare. The visuals, which quickly circulated on social media, captured a ceremonial offering performed by devotees, drawing both support and criticism from different sections of society.

The incident has been traced to a large religious event held at the Shri Dadaji Darbar Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple in Satdev village of Sehore district during the Chaitra Navratri festival. The event reportedly lasted 21 days, from March 18 to April 7, and included activities such as Shiv Mahapuran recitations, continuous Durga Path by 151 devotees, and a Mahayagya that used around 41 tons of materials, including ghee, herbs, and precious metals. Organisers stated that thousands of devotees attended the event daily.

Defending the ritual, organisers and followers described it as an act of deep spiritual devotion. A devotee associated with the event said that the milk offering was part of a traditional Abhishek ritual dedicated to the Narmada, which they revere as a mother. According to them, different quantities of milk were used on various days, culminating in the large-scale offering that drew public attention. They also emphasized that the event was privately funded and aimed at spiritual upliftment and public service.

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However, the video has triggered criticism from environmentalists and social commentators. Experts warn that pouring large quantities of milk into rivers can increase Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), reduce oxygen levels in water, and harm aquatic life due to bacterial growth during decomposition. Critics have also highlighted the contrast between such practices and the state’s ongoing malnutrition concerns, citing data that indicates a significant number of undernourished children and anaemic women in Madhya Pradesh. The incident has reignited a broader conversation on balancing religious traditions with environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

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