Date:11/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/11/stories/2009011156870300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur

“Do not burn old things on Bhogi”

THANJAVUR: District Collector M. S. Shanmugham has appealed to the people of the district not to burn old things on Bhogi festival, January 13.

Though it is a custom to burn old things, it has been found of late these days that burning of old and worn out objects is causing environment pollution. Instead of following this old custom, it is better to start the new year on Pongal day with a pollution free Bhogi festival. So people should desist from burning old things on Bhogi, he said in a release issued here on Saturday. High court has banned articles except firewood and other natural fire fuels prepared using cow dung etc. Violation of this will result in severe action.