Hundreds Pledge for Toilets in Dev Diwali, Varanasi

On the auspicious occasion of Dev Diwali and Kartik Purnima, an incredible and historic Sarva Dharma Swachhta Sankalp 2016 (Interfaith Cleaniness and Harmony Pledge) took place on the 14th November on the Assi Ghat. It was led by Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) Founder HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, GIWA’s Secretary General Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, blessed by GIWA’s Faith Leaders from India’s many faiths and the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Highlights from the historic event included performances by Sivamani, Runa Rizvi Sivamani and special appearance by Kailash Kher, for a confluence of Sangeet (Music), Swachhta (Cleaniness & Sanitation) and Spirituality. It commenced in a massive Swachh Bharat and Open Defecation Free India Sankalp led by Pujya Swamiji and GIWA’s Faith Leaders with thousands of pilgrims and devotees raising their hand in support to build and use toilets.