Ayodhya’s spiritual leaders are seething over a controversial iftar gathering on the Ganga in Varanasi, where meat consumption openly challenged Hindu reverence for the river. The boat-based event has drawn sharp rebukes, amplifying fears of cultural insensitivity.
Leading the charge, Hanuman Garhi’s Mahant Raju Das decried the ‘tragic affair.’ He questioned the selective display of cow meat, asking, ‘Those with genuine faith in Gau Mata – why butcher and discard her flesh in the holy waters?’ Pointing to another video of a chicken party, Das called for immediate crackdowns.
‘We won’t stop you from visiting, but honor your Hindu identity and defend our sentiments,’ he advised. In the heartland of Ganga and Kashi, such desecration is unforgivable, he added.
Tapsawi Chhavni head Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya urged the UP CM to take note. ‘This meat-eating spectacle in Ganga’s midst has enraged followers of Sanatana Dharma. It’s spoiling national harmony,’ he asserted. ‘Strict measures are essential to prevent unrest.’
The backlash highlights ongoing tensions between communities in pilgrimage hotspots. With social media amplifying the outrage, authorities face pressure to address these flashpoints. Saints emphasize preserving the Ganga’s sanctity amid rising interfaith frictions, calling for dialogue and deterrence.