DAN HENDRICKMembers of the Indo-Caribbean community visit Jamaica Bay to hold rituals designed to honor nature. But some environmentalists say the practice allows too much trash to float into the bay. Filmmaker Dan Hendrick has produced a new short titled "The Divine Waters of Jamaica Bay," which examines the issue.
Members of the Indo-Caribbean Community think the shore of Jamaica Bay is a great spot for rituals. But environmentalists fear offerings and debris from the activities is getting into the bay. One group, Sadhana, is trying to bridge the gap between both sides and hold clean-ups.
Members of the Indo-Caribbean Community think the shore of Jamaica Bay is a great spot for rituals. But environmentalists fear offerings and debris from the activities is getting into the bay. One group, Sadhana, is trying to bridge the gap between both sides and hold clean-ups.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Friday, June 20, 2014, 6:43 PM
Some beachgoers worship more than the sun along the shores of Jamaica Bay during the summer.
Hindu pilgrims take to the beaches to perform Puja rituals using flowers, coconuts and fruit as offerings designed to honor and respect nature.
But detritus from ceremonies sometimes washes up on shore, posing a threat to the delicate ecosystem and fueling a decades-old rift between the pilgrims and the people who safeguard the bay.
“This is a beautiful practice if it is done properly — it’s not being pagan or barbaric,” said Kamini Doobay, a 25-year-old medical student from Queens who is helping lead a community meeting on Sunday in Ozone Park, hoping to get both sides to air their concerns in candid, constructive discussion.
Doobay is part of Sadhana, a group of young Hindus trying to promote better communication between the National Park Service, which takes care of the bay, and members of the Indo-Caribbean community.
“Some groups are trying to be responsible, and we appreciate that, but more has to be done,” said Dan Mundy Jr. of the Jamaica Bay Eco-Watchers, who has found beads, coconuts and other materials near the newly planted marsh islands in the bay. “Those took millions to restore.”
Doobay has been trying to convince Puja participants to be environmentally conscious, but said the discussions with older members of the Hindu community have to be handled with care.
“It’s very insulting to tell someone,‘you’re throwing trash in the river,’” Doobay said.
Filmmaker Dan Hendrick, who is working on a documentary about Jamaica Bay, was so intrigued by the issue that he produced a short, “The Divine Waters of Jamaica Bay,” featuring Doobay. It will be screened during the community meeting.
“The surprising diversity of Jamaica Bay isn’t limited to wildlife,” said Hendrick. “Our goal with this film is to build bridges between communities, move beyond outward appearances and start a dialogue about how we can all work together for a cleaner and healthier Jamaica Bay.”
Screening of “The Divine Waters of Jamaica Bay,” and discussion will be held Sunday, June 22, 1:30 p.m., Shri Trimurti Bhvan, 101-18 97th Ave., Ozone Park.
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