Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Minors and young people were seen waving firearms, including rifles and pistols, as well as swords during a Vijayadashami procession in Shohratgarh town of Uttar Pradesh’s Siddharthnagar district on Tuesday, in the presence of police personnel and public representatives.
The procession followed a traditional weapons worship ceremony at the Ram Janaki Temple, where Domariyaganj MP Jagdambika Pal, local MLA Vinay Verma and thousands of people gathered to mark the festival.
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The programme began around 10 am, following which the procession passed through several parts of the town. Young participants, including minors, were seen carrying and waving weapons in the presence of police personnel. Some participants danced to music played on DJ systems while holding swords.
The procession passed through the town’s main road and areas including Gadhakul, Bharat Mata Chowk, Tiranga Chowk, Sonari Mohalla and Nibi Dohani before returning to the Ram Janaki Temple.
The annual procession is a longstanding Vijayadashami tradition in Shohratgarh, during which residents gather for weapons worship before taking part in a procession through the town.
However, the sight of minors carrying and displaying firearms and other weapons during the event raises concerns about child safety and the risks associated with allowing children to handle such weapons in public gatherings.
WEAPONS WORSHIP SYMBOLISES PROTECTION OF SOCIETY: MP
Speaking during the event, Pal said weapons worship was an age-old tradition associated with Vijayadashami and symbolised the protection of society and the fight against injustice.
“Vijayadashami symbolises the victory of good over evil, truth over falsehood and justice over injustice. The tradition of weapons worship is associated with the battle against evil and the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana,” he said.
Explaining the significance of the ritual, Pal said weapons were worshipped as a symbol of protecting people and fighting wrongdoing.
“The purpose of weapons worship is to protect society and destroy evil. This is how we uphold the tradition of Lord Ram,” he said.
THOUSANDS PARTICIPATE IN SHOHRATGARH TRADITION
Pal said the weapons worship ceremony and procession were longstanding traditions in Shohratgarh, with residents gathering to observe the festival each year.
He said people first assembled weapons kept in their homes for the ritual before taking out a procession through the town. Elected representatives, social workers and residents of nearby villages also participated in the celebrations.
“People from the town and surrounding villages take part in the ceremony. The weapons are gathered and worshipped before the procession moves through the streets of Shohratgarh,” Pal said.
He added that the celebrations included the traditional burning of Ravana’s effigy, reflecting the festival’s message of the triumph of good over evil.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
