File picture of BSP chief Mayawati with a garland made of currency notes
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) asked not to use national currency for making garlands or showering on personalities at social events.
"Such actions deface the bank notes and shorten their life," the Reserve Bank said.
"Bank notes should be respected as they are a symbol of the sovereign and people should not misuse them and help in increasing the life of bank notes."
The Reserve Bank also said that it had been taking all measures to supply clean notes across the country and urged people to contribute their mite to its efforts in pursuing a "clean note policy" for the country.