Sir,

At various places, I have observed that people are using portraits of Hindu Gods on compound walls and house walls to prevent littering or urinating in those areas. While the intention may be to maintain cleanliness, this practice is deeply disheartening and disrespectful to devotees like me.

Our temples are built to offer a clean and sacred space where we surrender ourselves to the Almighty through rituals and devotion. Using sacred portraits for guarding walls is not at all acceptable.

On the other hand, it is equally disheartening to see old and worn-out photos of Hindu Gods — once used for pujas at home — being disposed of carelessly. There is a proper way to dispose of these sacred items with respect. The glass and wooden frames should be removed and discarded separately, and the portraits of the Gods should be buried respectfully. If possible, planting a sapling at the burial spot is a beautiful way to honour their sanctity.

I humbly request all citizens to take this point seriously and act responsibly to protect the dignity of our sacred images and spaces.

– Vittal Rao, Sr. Pharmacist, CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, 24.7.2025

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