Located near Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, Puri is a prominent religious and cultural hub in India. Renowned for the magnificent Jagannath Temple, one of Hinduism’s four sacred Dhams, Puri draws pilgrims and tourists alike.
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, a grand chariot procession, attracts global attention. Situated on the Bay of Bengal, Puri also boasts stunning beaches that enhance its allure as a destination for both spiritual seekers and leisure travellers.
Aki Doi, a music and yoga teacher from Kanazawa in Japan, is a frequent visitor to Puri. Captivated by the city during her initial trip in 2022, she has returned regularly ever since.
However, her recent visit has taken on a special significance. Doi has embarked on a cleanliness drive, dedicating her time to collecting rubbish from Puri Beach.
For the past two months, the 38-year-old has been actively picking up litter along the beach, encouraging both locals and fellow tourists to utilise waste disposal facilities. Carrying a banner adorned with Lord Jagannath’s image and messages promoting cleanliness, Doi walks along Puri Marine Drive, raising awareness about environmental responsibility. Her actions have not gone unnoticed, with photos and videos of her efforts gaining traction on social media.
“I find joy in doing this," shares Doi. She acknowledges the efforts of the local administration in maintaining the beach’s cleanliness and sees her contribution as a way to ensure a pristine environment for all.
