In the order issued by the Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh, it has been said that during the Chaitra Navratri and Ramnavami festivals, religious events should be organized by forming committees in every block, tehsil and district. Under this, it has been suggested to recite Durga Saptshati and Akhand Ramayana in temples and ‘Shaktipeeths’.
Yogi Adityanath. (Photo Credits: Facebook)
New Delhi: The BJP-led Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has asked local administrations across the state to organize special religious programs in temples during the nine-day Chaitra Navratri and Ram Navami festivals this month. The opposition has criticized this move of the government.
The Yogi government will also provide Rs 1 lakh to each district to pay honorarium to the artists selected to perform in these programmes.
According to a report published in The Print, Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary, Culture Department of the state, in an order issued on March 10, said that Chaitra Navratri has special significance. During this, nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped to eliminate negative energy, so religious and cultural programs are proposed to be organized during this period.
This order has been sent to all district magistrates and divisional commissioners. It has been said that organizing committees should be formed in every block, tehsil and district. Suggestions for events include recitation of Durga Saptashati and Akhand Ramayana in temples and ‘Shakti Peethas’.
As per the order, the organizers are expected to upload the photographs on the website of the culture department. It has been said in the order that public representatives should be invited and large public participation should be ensured.
Chaitra Navratri is starting from 22 March and Ram Navami will be celebrated on 30 March.
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has made sarcastic remarks instead of directly criticizing the order.
In a tweet, he wrote, ‘Welcome the proposal to give Rs 1 lakh to the District Magistrates of Uttar Pradesh to celebrate Ram Navami, but what will happen with such a small amount? At least Rs 10 crore should be given, so that festivals of all religions can be celebrated. The BJP government should give free cylinders on festivals and it should start from this Ram Navami.
The proposal of giving 1 lakh rupees to the District Magistrates of UP to celebrate Ram Navami is welcome, but what will happen with such a small amount, at least 10 crores should be given so that festivals of all religions can be celebrated. The BJP government should give free cylinders on festivals and it should start from this Ram Navami.
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) Mar 14, 2023
Controversial SP MLA Swami Prasad Maurya has criticized the government’s move for suggesting removal of some parts of Ramcharitmanas.
He said that the government is now forced to get Ramcharitmanas recited at its own expense, because people have stopped doing so.
The SP MLA said that the promotion of a particular religion by a secular democratic government is a violation of the Constitution. Giving money from government money to promote all religions equally would be welcome.
Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi said, “Organising religious programs is a good thing, but what about the issues on which people voted for the BJP.” Where are the jobs that were promised by the party? The BJP has failed on the issues and promises that were made to the people of the state.
On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has rejected the criticism of the opposition.
He said, ‘If any religious event related to Lord Shriram and Ramcharitmanas is happening, then it should be welcomed. There should be no question or answer on this. All I want to say is Jai Shri Ram and Jai Mata Di.
read this also…
Categories: India, Politics, Special
