In a press interaction, Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, vehemently announced the open opposition of Bageshwar Dham Peeth to the celebration of Christmas and Santa Claus. He emphasised that these practices are rooted in Western culture, which, according to him, is incompatible with Indian and Sanatani traditions.
During the media address, Shastri urged Hindu parents to divert their children’s attention away from Santa Claus and instead encouraged them to send their kids to nearby Hanuman ji temples. He passionately advocated for the boycott of Western culture, asserting the need for Indians and Sanatanis to uphold their cultural heritage.
Shastri stated, “Christmas on 25th December is not in accordance with Indian culture. Parents of Hindu children should send their kids to the nearby temple of Param Sant Hanuman Ji Maharaj and not to Santa Claus. We are Indians; we should think about this. We are Sanatani. Indians and Sanatanis should boycott this culture. Bageshwar Peeth openly opposes this culture.”
In addition to opposing Christmas celebrations, Shastri proposed alternative cultural practices for Hindus. He suggested embracing and observing Tulsi Pujan and celebrating Matra-Pitra Diwas instead of participating in Christmas festivities. Shastri urged followers, saying, “Tomorrow is also ‘Matra-Pitra Divas’; do Tulsi Puja, get in the service of your parents. Go to Hanumanji’s temple and have darshan. Bring Prasad from there.”
Furthermore, Shastri issued an appeal to parents, encouraging them to educate their children about eminent figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Meera Bai, Maharani Lakshmi Bai, and others. He emphasised the importance of inspiring youngsters with the greatness of these personalities.
Addressing the issue of Christmas celebrations in schools, Shastri expressed his opposition to such festivities. Notably, the Shajapur district in Madhya Pradesh recently mandated parental permission for students to participate in Christmas-related events, including dressing up as Santa Claus or Christmas trees. Shastri aligned with this perspective, highlighting that both government and private schools should face consequences if students partake in Christmas-related activities without parental approval.
The order from the education officer in Shajapur, issued on December 14, specified, “Students should have written permission from parents before they are made part of Christmas-related events, which include making them dress up as Santa Claus, Christmas tree, or any other role.” Shastri’s stance aligns with this directive, emphasising the significance of respecting parental consent in matters of cultural celebrations within educational institutions.
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