Dev Samaj opposes ‘Naga Sadhu’ procession during Shivratri

Dipender Manta

Mandi, March 2

The Dev Samaj has objected to the proposed procession of ‘Naga Sadhus’ during the upcoming Shivratri fair in Mandi district. An executive meeting of the Sarv Devta Seva Samiti was held at Sanskriti Sadan under the chairmanship of district president Shiv Pal Sharma yesterday.

Sharma said it came to light through social media that the Mahant of the Baba Bhootnath temple was talking about taking out a procession of ‘Naga Sadhus’ during the Shivratri fair —scheduled from March 9 to 15.

“The Dev Samaj strongly opposes this move of the Mahant. During the weeklong Shivratri fair, thousands of people — both men and women — come from rural areas along with their deities. Seeing such a display of Naga Sadhus can be a matter of shame. The entire Dev Samaj strongly opposes this and the administration is requested not to allow it,” Sharma added.

An emergency meeting of the Dharam Sangh executive of Baba Bhootnath Temple, Mandi, was also organised yesterday at the Bhootnath office under the chairmanship of Pradhan Bhim Chand Saroch.

During the meeting, Saroch said, “It was learned through the newspapers that the Mahant of Baba Bhootnath temple was trying to take out a procession of Naga Sadhus during Shivratri festival. However, the administration has not given permission to take out this procession.”

“The association will submit a memorandum in this regard to the Deputy Commissioner. We strongly oppose the procession of ‘Naga Sadhus’ during the Shivratri festival. We request the administration not to break the tradition established for centuries,” he added.

Citizens Council (Mandi) president OP Kapoor said: “Last year, we opposed this move, which is why it was not allowed in main Shobha Yatra of Shivratri fair. However, a procession of Naga Sadhus was allowed to be taken out separately by the administration, which was not appreciated by the general public.”

Sadar SDM Omkant Thakur said, “I think the civil society of Mandi and all you active members should start a signature campaign against this Mahant if you all agree that this Mahant is trying to harm the culture and tradition of Mandi, especially during the Shivratri fair.”

“There cannot be pan-India similarity on the grounds of religious/cultural beliefs. Just like Mysore Dussehra is different from Kullu Dussehra, and Prayagraj Kumbh is different from the one celebrated in Nashik. The traditions and way of worship of Mahakal Ujjain is different from Kashi Vishwanath. Thus, every place has its own cultural significance, and so does Mandi,” the SDM added.

“The administration is always willing to help and protect the interest of citizens, and work as per the Constitution of India in public interest. The permission has been given to regard the constitutional rights of the Mahant as well. But at the same time there are reasonable restrictions such as public morality, which must be maintained,” Thakur said.

“Last time, this Mahant had taken permissions from the administration and hidden these facts about ‘Nagas’. It had never happened in Mandi except last year,” he added.