####Initiative for Environmental Protection: First Cremation in Udaipur Using Cow-Dung Wood (Gokashta)

Udaipur,  In a remarkable initiative toward environmental protection and tree conservation, Udaipur witnessed its first-ever cremation using Gokashta, eco-friendly wooden logs made from cow dung. The cremation took place at the Ashok Nagar crematorium, where two unclaimed bodies—one male and one female—were respectfully cremated using Gokashta.

This noble initiative was undertaken by the Rahda Foundation, with the active participation of Maharana Pratap Sena founder Mohan Singh Rathore, Bharat Sahu, and Arun Sharma. According to Archana Singh Charan, Founder and President of Rahda Foundation, the male body was handed over for cremation by Surajpol Police Station, while the female body was provided by Ashadham Sanstha.

The Gokashta used for the cremation was prepared at Shiv Shankar Gaushala with the cooperation of the Pollution Control Board and provided free of cost.

Present during the cremation were Archana Singh Charan, Kusum Lata Suhalka, Kunj Bihari Paliwal and Saphal Patidar from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, Sister Denisa from Ashadham Sanstha, Shankar Meena, Sanjay Prajapat, and Gajendra Singh Rathore, among other social workers. A noteworthy aspect of the event was the participation of women, who also helped in placing the Gokashta logs during the cremation.

🌿 A Step Towards Environmental Protection

Cremation using Gokashta is considered an eco-friendly alternative, as it eliminates the need for cutting trees. Made from cow dung, Gokashta helps conserve natural wood resources and significantly reduces pollution levels.

💰 Cost-Effective and Accessible

Compared to traditional firewood, Gokashta is lighter, cheaper, and more convenient to transport. A typical cremation using regular wood requires 6–7 quintals, while only 3 quintals of Gokashta were used in this case — making it both economical and efficient.

🔥 Spiritual Significance in Sanatan Dharma

In Sanatan tradition, cow dung cakes (kande) are considered sacred and are used along with wood during cremation rituals. Cremation with Gokashta aligns with these spiritual beliefs, as it combines purity with environmental responsibility — eliminating the need for additional materials.

🌸 Expansion of the Initiative

Foundation President Archana Singh Charan shared that this was the first-ever free cremation using Gokashta in Southern Rajasthan, covering nearly 90% of the cost through foundation support. She added that efforts are underway to expand this initiative further so that more cremations can be performed in an eco-friendly and spiritually significant way.

This cremation, completed in less time, with less wood, and lower cost, sets a model for sustainable and sacred last rites for the future.