THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
PURI,
JULY 16, 2026
The sacred Jagannath
Rath Yatra in Puri on Thursday witnessed not only an extraordinary display of
devotion but also an inspiring commitment to environmental responsibility, as
lakhs of devotees chose compostable tableware for their meals, demonstrating
that faith and sustainability can go hand in hand.
As the annual chariot
festival commenced, pilgrims paying obeisance to Lord Jagannath, Lord
Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra embraced eco-conscious practices alongside their
spiritual journey. Across the Yatra route, thousands of meals on the very first
day were served on fully compostable plates, reflecting a growing awareness
among devotees of their responsibility towards Mother Earth.
In a significant
sustainability initiative, Reliance Foundation has partnered with CHUK, the
compostable tableware brand of Pakka Limited, to serve more than seven lakh
meals to devotees during this year’s Rath Yatra using tableware made from
bagasse, an agricultural by-product.
Designed to minimise
environmental impact, CHUK’s compostable tableware carries a devotee’s meal
with dignity and, once used, naturally decomposes back into the soil instead of
remaining as waste for generations. The initiative resonates deeply with the
spirit of the Rath Yatra, extending the festival’s message of equality and
reverence beyond humanity to the land, rivers and air that sustain life.
"There is
something deeply moving in watching devotees care for the earth with the same
reverence they bring to their faith," said Shubham Tibrewal, Business Head
(Food Service), Pakka Limited. "To eat one's refreshments from a plate
made of bagasse is itself a small prayer as these plates will return gently to
the soil. We are humbled that lakhs of pilgrims are making that choice, and
grateful to serve them," added Tibrewal.
The initiative
highlights how one of the world’s largest religious gatherings is also emerging
as a platform for responsible environmental stewardship, with every compostable
plate serving as a reminder that devotion to the divine can also mean caring
for the planet.
