Since ancient times, there are several Hindu festivals that are being celebrated in India. Among those celebrated in Gujarat, Navratri holds special significance as the Navratri and Garba dance performed during the festival are symbols of Gujarat and Gujaratis on the global level.
Navratri, like other festivals, became a target for religious violence. Many incidents have been reported in the past where the sacred Navratri festival was targeted in many ways with the aim of deeply hurting Hindu sentiments. But in the last 2-3 years, the awareness of Hindu organisations, the Hindu community, and the state government have worked simultaneously to control such incidents. The most recent example is Navratri 2024, where the celebrations took place very peacefully without any violent incidents.
Festivals like Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Ganesh Mahotsav, Shravan festivals, and Kanwar Yatra, became regular targets of jihadis. Several violent incidents were reported year after year during these festivals across the country.
Jihadis pelted stones at Ram Navami processions, and processions of lord Shiv were attacked. There have been several incidents where Kanwar Yatris were targeted, temples were attacked, deities’ idols were vandalised, and temple premises were violated by urinating to hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community.
Comparing the past with this year’s Navratri celebrations, major difference can be noticed. There were no incidents of stone-pelting at Garba, and no reports of love jihad. The Garba programmes ran all night this time which were held under strict laws every year. ‘Not only Garba but also shops and hotels remained open all night and people roamed the streets all night, and everything ended peacefully’, according to an announcement made by Gujarat’s Home Minister Harsh Singhvi.
Hindu organisations became more active than before, and society became more aware. As the situation worsened and incidents continued, the common Hindu awakened this year. The incidents of the past few years have made Hindus realise about the significance of Hindu organisations.
Hindu organisations started receiving support from common Hindus across both big cities and small towns over the past two years. Their efforts over the past 2-3 years have shown good results, especially this year. Special arrangements were made to recognise non-Hindus at Garba venues, to make sure that only Hindus were allowed to enter. Only Hindu vendors were allowed to set up stalls at Garba grounds while Garba classes operated by non-Hindus were also stopped. The dedication of volunteers towards the religion and society paid off.
The Hindu community has realised the value of Hindu organisations as they have realised the significance of their advice and have supported them. Changes, such as wearing a Tilak or standing in line to show their identity, have worked wonders. While Hindus cooperated with the organisations, and it paid off. The festival organisers also deserve respect for supporting the organisations in everything that is beneficial for Hindus.
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