In many parts of India and other When sacred clothes are immersed in rivers:ulturally rich countries, it is a common religious practice to offer clothes to deities in temples. These clothes, once used in rituals or adorned on idols, are considered sacred. As part of religious beliefs, many devotees immerse these clothes in rivers—especially holy ones like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari—believing that this act is respectful and spiritually purifying.However, this age-old tradition has become a source of serious environmental pollution in modern times.Synthetic Materials: Many of these clothes are made from synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, which do not decompose naturally. Once in the water, they float, sink, or get stuck in riverbanks, harming aquatic life.Chemical Dyes: These clothes are often dyed in bright colors using chemicals that can leach into the water, leading to chemical pollution which affects water quality and can be harmful to fish, plants, and even humans.Waste Accumulation: Over time, large numbers of such discarded clothes accumulate, turning sacred rivers into dumping grounds. This clogs water flow, encourages the growth of harmful bacteria, and makes rivers unfit for drinking, bathing, or irrigation. Example:-In cities like Varanasi and Haridwar, it’s common to see clothes floating in the Ganges. These clothes, though offered with devotion, pile up along the riverbanks and contribute to the already growing waste burden. During religious festivals, the volume increases drastically, overwhelming local cleaning efforts.