Devotees pour a large amount of ghee into Ganga, viral video sparks online debate

A viral video showing devotees pouring more than 165 litres of ghee into the Ganga during a religious ritual has triggered debate on social media over its environmental impact.

The footage shows a man and a woman standing on the riverbank with a large metal container filled with ghee, which they empty into the river. Later in the video, more people arrive carrying large cans believed to contain additional ghee.

The containers are loaded onto a boat, which then moves into the river. Several participants are then seen pouring the contents of multiple cans into the water.

The video spread widely online and drew criticism from many social media users, who said the practice could damage the river’s ecosystem.

Some users pointed out that ghee floats on water and can form a layer on the surface, which may reduce the exchange of oxygen between the air and water and affect fish and other aquatic life.

One user wrote that the layer of ghee could further endanger aquatic life in a river already affected by sewage and waste.

The incident comes days after another viral video showed nearly 11,000 litres of milk being poured into the Narmada River during a separate religious ceremony.

Environmental experts have previously warned that offerings such as food, milk, flowers, and oil-based substances can contribute to river pollution when carried out on a large scale.

The Ganga is considered sacred by millions of Hindus and is also an important source of drinking water, agriculture, and biodiversity. Government programmes in recent years have focused on reducing pollution in the river and improving its ecological condition.