*Chandigarh MC hosts ‘Swachh Kanjak Pooja’ under Swachhata Hi Seva Pakhwara: Mayor serves parsad to 108 girls at Vikas Nagar, Mauli Jagran*
In a heartening fusion of cultural reverence and environmental responsibility, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh organized a unique zero-waste event — ‘Swachh Kanjak Pooja’ — on the occasion of Maha Saptami during the Navratras at the Community Centre, Vikas Nagar, Mauli Jagran. This special initiative, held under the banner of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva Pakhwara’, celebrated both tradition and sustainability.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from the community and was graced by key dignitaries including City Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, MC Special Commissioner Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS, local councillor Sh. Manoj Sonkar, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Inderdeep Kaur, and other officials. The dignitaries performed the sacred ‘Kanjak Pooja’, honouring 108 young girls as ‘Little Champions of Cleanliness’ for symbolizing purity and the power of change.
Over two hundred girls were served traditional prasad as part of the Kanya Pooja ritual — all conducted while maintaining zero-waste standards. Food was served using steel and biodegradable paper plates procured through a women’s self-help group, underlining the importance of both sustainability and women’s empowerment.
Speaking on the occasion, the Mayor remarked,
“This initiative not only honors our rich cultural traditions but also teaches the importance of cleanliness and sustainability to our children. Small changes—like waste segregation and adopting zero-waste practices—can pave the way for a greener city and help us perform better in the upcoming Swachh Survekshan.”
Special Commissioner Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS, added,
“The success of the Swachh Kanjak Pooja reflects MCC’s unwavering commitment to fostering a cleaner, greener, and more responsible society. Events like these inspire communities to adopt eco-conscious practices.”
The event featured sustainable arrangements such as cloth tents, steel utensils sourced from Bartan Bhandar, a women’s self-help group under the DAY-NULM initiative, and twin bins for waste segregation to ensure minimal environmental footprint.
The women’s self-help group not only supplied the eco-friendly materials but also prepared the food for the event, showcasing the vital role of community participation in driving impactful civic initiatives.
By seamlessly blending culture, cleanliness, and community, the Swachh Kanjak Pooja stands as a powerful example of how traditional festivities can be reimagined to promote environmental awareness and social responsibility among the younger generation.
