An eccentric incident of massive wastage of milk has recently sparked widespread controversy in Madhya Pradesh. On April 8th and 9th, 2026, approximately 11,000 litres of milk (one full tanker) were poured into the Narmada River as part of a religious ritual. The event has divided public opinion, triggering a heated debate over tradition versus environmental and social responsibility. Amazon Brand - Myx Women's Schiffli Embroidery Ethnic Dress | Fit and Flare | Knee Length (Available in Plus Sizes)
The ritual took place at the Shri Dadaji Darbar Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple in the Sehore district and Anuppur district, where the river originates.
The pouring of milk was the grand finale of a 21-day religious event (Mahayagya and Abhishekam) held during Chaitra Navratri. While devotees offered smaller amounts daily (around 151 litres), the final day saw a massive "Abhishek" where an entire tanker's worth of milk was emptied into the river.
The worth is estimated between 5.5 to 7.7 Lakhs. The 21-day event used 41 tons of materials, including ghee and medicinal herbs.
Environmentalists and ecologists, including Subhash Pandey and Ajay Dube, warned that such a large volume of organic matter acts as a pollutant. It increases Biochemical Oxygen Demand, which depletes dissolved oxygen in the water, potentially suffocating aquatic life and harming the river's ecosystem. It can massacre the aquatic animals and fishes.
Activists view the irony of wasting thousands of litres of milk in a state that frequently struggles with child malnutrition. Many argued that the milk could have been distributed to poor families or local anganwadis (Panchayat) instead. Abhi na Jao Chodkar. Abhee to dil bhara nahi…. The nation sings with sorrow
Though the organizers claim, the ritual improves the quality of water in Narmada, Besides, this was bought by the private organizers, hence cannot be questioned. Trump’s Ultimate Diplomatic Gamble: Vance, Kushner, and Witkoff Arrive in Pakistan to Negotiate Historic Truce Amidst Deepening US-Iran Hostilities.
The question remains; can we indulge in such superstitious rituals and afford to waste our resources.