Demand for placing nameplates on shops during the Kanwar Yatra, similar to Uttar Pradesh, is now emerging in Bihar, aiming to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrims’ journey. However, BJP Minister Nitin has clearly stated that such a thing will not happen in Bihar at present.
Recently, Uttar Pradesh made a big decision regarding the Kanwar Yatra. They ordered all shops along the yatra route to display nameplates. Now, similar demands are emerging in Bihar. However, Bihar’s government clarified that such decisions are made at the government level, and currently, there are no plans to implement this rule in Bihar.
Image Source: Hindustan
Bihar’s Urban Development and Housing Minister inspected preparations for the Shravani Mela at Ajgaivinath Dham in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur. He stated clearly that Bihar will not follow Uttar Pradesh’s example of requiring nameplates on shops. He emphasized that while announcing the location’s name is important, it involves a process that takes time. Currently, the proposal is being considered by the government.
Just recently, a BJP MLA in Bihar also demanded that shops display nameplates, similar to what is done in Uttar Pradesh. This demand arose due to requests from a Hindu organization, which also put up posters along the pilgrimage route between Sultanaganj and Deoghar.
Uttar Pradesh’s decision has sparked controversy and discussions about religion in many places. As a result, similar demands are now being raised in some areas.
Bihar’s Minister of Urban Development and Housing has assessed the preparations for the Shravani Mela at Ajgaivinath Dham in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, and clarified that Bihar will not implement the nameplate order like Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized that declaring the location’s name is important but it involves a process that requires time, and currently the proposal is under government consideration.
Image Source; The Hindu
It’s worth noting that just a few days ago, BJP MLA Hari Bhushan Thakur Backhaul had demanded in Bihar, similar to Uttar Pradesh’s practice, that nameplates be installed on shops. Due to demands from a Hindu organization, posters were also put up on Sunday in the route of the pilgrimage between Sultanaganj and Deoghar.
However, Uttar Pradesh’s government’s decision has stirred up the entire society. Controversies are emerging in many places regarding religion. Thus, in some areas, people are also demanding this thing.
Reason Behind Installing Name Plates during Kanwar Yatra
BJP leader Sangeet Som stressed that it is crucial for devout Kanwar pilgrims to assess the faithfulness of shopkeepers in maintaining the purity of their journey when purchasing food and beverages. This ensures that the spiritual integrity of the pilgrimage remains intact and respected throughout.
Image Source: Republic Bharat
Som suggested that pilgrims should have the freedom to decide where to purchase based on these considerations, emphasizing their rights as consumers. He expressed full support for the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision, applauding it for ensuring the pilgrimage’s integrity and respecting religious sentiments.
He mentioned that during the Kanwar Yatra, the Uttar Pradesh government has instructed shopkeepers to display their shop names outside, as per the issued directive. The way in which Samajwadi Party’s national president Akhilesh Yadav expressed objections solely on this matter sufficiently exposes his deeply divisive character.
The issue has sparked a campaign aimed at ensuring transparency and preserving the religious sanctity of the Kanwar Yatra. Swami Yashvir Maharaj’s call for proper identification of establishments is rooted in the need to maintain trust and respect among pilgrims, who have the right to know the affiliations and practices of the places from which they purchase food and beverages during their sacred journey.
Image Source: Naiduniya
They suggest that while ensuring hygiene and ethical standards is crucial, it should not lead to profiling or stereotyping based on religious identities.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s directive to enforce these regulations has further fueled debates across social and political circles. Supporters believe it is a necessary step to uphold the integrity of religious sentiments and ensure pilgrims’ faith is respected, while opponents raise concerns about potential discrimination and division in society.
