What to Do with Puja Materials: Whether it's a small puja at home or a large religious ceremony, it's common for some materials to be left over after the puja. Offerings, flowers, garlands, or other items offered during the puja are not reused in subsequent pujas, so the question often arises of how to dispose of them properly. Some materials can be safely stored in the puja room, but many items require a proper and respectful method of disposal.

Cleanliness, adherence to religious rules, and environmental considerations are crucial when disposing of puja-related items. Therefore, always use sattvic and natural materials in your puja and avoid plastic or other harmful materials. Let's learn about the rules regarding leftover puja materials and how they should be properly used or disposed of.

Leftover Ghee or Oil in the Lamp
If the ghee used in the puja is not finished, it can be stored and used to light the lamp in the next puja. Reusing ghee in the lamp is considered auspicious. However, caution should be exercised with oil. Use only as much oil in the puja as will be consumed while the lamp is burning. Using leftover oil from the puja for other purposes or in cooking is not considered auspicious.

Akshat, Turmeric, and Kumkum
The akshat, turmeric, and kumkum offered in the puja are not reused in subsequent pujas. Offering them to a Tulsi plant or a Peepal tree is considered best. Alternatively, they can be immersed in clean water. Feeding the akshat to birds is also a good and meritorious act. Ensure that the place where these materials are placed is clean and that no one steps on them.

Fruits and Prasad Offered in the Puja
The offerings and prasad offered to God should be distributed among everyone. If any remains, feed it to cows or nearby animals and birds. Throwing puja food items in the garbage is considered inauspicious, so use them respectfully. Clothing Used in Worship
Clothing offered or used in worship can be used again in future worship ceremonies. If the clothes are still wearable, donating them to needy people is considered highly auspicious. This brings merit and blessings.

Flowers and Garlands Used in Worship
Flowers and garlands used in worship should never be thrown in the trash. They can be buried in the soil of a potted plant or placed at the base of a sacred tree. This allows them to decompose naturally and does not harm the environment.

Wicks or Cotton Used in Worship
It is considered appropriate to place the wicks or cotton used in worship near a Tulsi plant or bury them in the soil of a sacred place. Avoid throwing them around carelessly.

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