Happy Navratri. Navratri is an auspicious occasion celebrated in India for nine days before the festival Dussehra. Well speaking about the festival, it is such a vibrant festival and should be celebrated with joy and happiness.
The festival is celebrated in the honor of the divine feminine Devi (Durga) but the worst part is where the propaganda of relating the festival or Devi to the rapes and sexual harassment over the females in the society arises.
Usually, during various festivals, we see individuals sharing pictures and posters of the festival celebration but during Navratri we see many of us sharing pictures and videos portraying how women are raped in the country all along the year and the goddess is worshipped for nine days.
Does it make sense about connecting the rapes or crimes with Navratri?
It is indeed mocking an auspicious occasion. The quotes on various pictures and posts say – A country with one of the highest crime rates against women, will now worship a woman for nine days.
What individuals need to get into their minds is that festivals are for celebrations and not spreading propaganda. Also, some videos have become viral in which individuals act portraying how women face domestic violence, and on the other hand, they are worshipped as a goddess.
Pandals are set up in localities where the idols of goddess Devi are set up and on the final day are immersed in water bodies marking the end of the festival. But now the same pandals set up statues and display posters of women being harassed and raped and at the same time worshipped.
The issue that arises here is about why relating the festival to the crimes in the country? It is an individual’s choice about showing faith towards the religion or festivals they celebrate but creating propaganda out of the issue doesn’t seem required.
So as individuals one should have a proper understanding as to how to spread a good message instead of portraying the divine and connecting it to a social issue.
There are various sources one can preach about sexual crimes or violence happening in the country and how the number is increasing day by day. It can be through an article, a video, a poster, a social gathering, or a seminar, and many other ways.
But relating it to a festival and creating graphics or posters will not make a difference but instead will raise a question on one’s faith towards worshipping god. We have seen social media being used to spread some good messages and stories hence should be continued for the same purpose and should be filled with positivity.
And leave the rest to Jai Mata Di !!!
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