Haridwar: Pilgrim priests object to Christmas celebrations on the banks of the Ganges, demand cancellation of the event:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Protests have erupted against a proposed Christmas celebration on the banks of the Ganges in the holy city of Haridwar. Pilgrim priests and members of the Ganga Sabha have expressed strong objection, calling the event against Sanatan traditions. They have clearly warned that such events will not be tolerated on the banks of the Ganges under any circumstances.

According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has planned a Christmas celebration on December 25th at the Bhagirathi Hotel complex in Haridwar, near the banks of the Ganges. As soon as information about this event became known, the priests of the pilgrimage site became angry and launched a protest against it.

Pilgrim priests say that the Ganges is not just a river but a symbol of eternal culture and faith. Holding other religious events at such a sacred site is against eternal traditions. They say that when the entire country is working to preserve and promote its cultural and religious traditions, holding events like Christmas on the banks of the Ganges is hurtful.

Ujjwal Pandit, a pilgrim priest associated with the Ganga Sabha Haridwar, took a strong stance on this issue, stating that any event on the banks of the Ganga that does not align with the essence of Sanatan culture is unacceptable. He said that organizers should understand that Haridwar is a religious city, where centuries-old traditions and beliefs hold special significance.

Ujjwal Pandit warned that if the Tourism Department does not cancel the event, the pilgrimage priests and the Ganga Sabha will be forced to launch an even more aggressive protest. He clarified that this protest will not be limited to a mere warning, but will be raised at the street level and administrative levels if necessary.

Response of Administration and Tourism Department

At present, there has been no official response from the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department on this entire matter. However, given the nature of the protests, the administration is keeping a close eye on the event. It will be important to see in the coming days what decision the Tourism Department takes regarding the event in light of this opposition, and whether the event will be held as scheduled.