TAKING cognisance of the demands raised by Hindu organisations, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts, Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, has directed district Collector to ensure a dignified and peaceful atmosphere during religious and cultural programmes organised during the upcoming Navratri festival. Rashtriya Bajrang Dal Mahakaushal Prant Secretary Arpit Singh Thakur had submitted a representation to Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, urging the Government to issue guidelines for organisers of Garba-Dandiya events and Durga Puja pandals. Following the representation, the minister’s office issued a letter to the Jabalpur Collector on September 19, directing the district administration to issue necessary instructions to Durga Puja committees and Garba organisers to ensure that the celebrations are conducted in accordance with religious sentiments and social traditions.

 

The organisation has also sought coordination meetings involving event organisers, administrative officials and Hindu organisations, besides measures to maintain peace, social harmony and decorum during the celebrations. It has urged appropriate action against activities considered inappropriate or those that could affect religious sentiments or create law-and-order issues. Thakur said Navratri is a festival of faith, devotion and tradition, adding that the organisation’s objective was not to unnecessarily interfere in religious or cultural programmes but to ensure that their traditional character and dignity are preserved. He said the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal would co-operate with the administration and event organisers to ensure that Navratri celebrations are conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner.