Religion vs conservation: When will pilgrims stop polluting our forests?

Hindu pilgrims queue outside the Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers to
the Hindu deity “Ayappa”, about 70 kms (43 miles) west of the town
Pathanamthtta in the southern Indian state of Kerala, on January 15,
2003. Hindus believe Ayappa is a creation of the powerful Hindu gods
Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and worshippers of Ayappa lead a spartan
life for 41 days before making their way to the temple carrying
offerings on their heads as a form of penance. REUTERS/Dipak Kumar

JSG/JD/PB