Shiv Sena holds march in Phagwara, seeks state-level tag for Mahashivratri celebrations

Punjab Shiv Sena activists on Thursday organised a peaceful protest march in Phagwara, demanding that the Punjab Government celebrate Mahashivratri as a state-level festival. A memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister through Phagwara Tehsildar Jaswinder Singh in this regard.

Protesters assembled at Hanumangarhi Temple under the leadership of Inderjit Karwal, vice-president, Punjab Shiv Sena.

Addressing the gathering, Punjab Shiv Sena chairman Rajiv Tandon alleged that the AAP-led state government had accorded state-level recognition to festivals and events of other communities, but had not extended similar status to Mahashivratri.

He said this had led to dissatisfaction among sections of the Hindu community in the state. The leaders demanded that Mahashivratri be celebrated at the state level under the supervision of the Sant Samaj; district administrations officially welcome Mahashivratri processions across the state; and special funds be announced for the renovation and reconstruction of historic Hindu temples.

Following the address, activists took out a march from the Hanumangarhi Temple to the Phagwara bus stand, raising slogans in support of their demands.