RSS, other Hindu outfits object to Christmas celebration at hotel on banks of Ganges, event cancelled

RSS’ Shetriya Prachar Pramukh Padamji told PTI that whether it is the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department or any other organisation, everyone should ‘respect the religious beliefs, traditions and dignity’ of Haridwar.He said, “Haridwar is the city of the Ganges, the land of gods, and here beliefs and traditions in accordance with Hindu culture have been followed for centuries, and no one has the right to disrupt them.”However, when contacted, the management of Hotel Bhagirathi said that no event was planned on Christmas that would have gone against the dignity of Haridwar, Hindu culture and its traditions.Hotel owner Neeraj Gupta said, “We were not organising any such Christmas-related event at the hotel. A Christmas tree was indeed decorated at the hotel reception, but the plan was to organise games for the children on this occasion.”He said that in addition, a grand Ganga Aarti was to be performed on the banks of the Ganges, and keeping in mind the religious significance, sanctity, and purity of the Ganges, only pure vegetarian food was to be served.Gupta said non-vegetarian food and alcohol are prohibited at the hotel.He said that due to the protests by Hindu organisations, the programmes planned for children at the hotel have now been cancelled, and only the grand Aarti will be held on the banks of the Ganges on this occasion.



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