A video of dancing to film songs at service camps during Gujarat's Ambaji Bhadravi fair has gone viral, sparking a controversy. Yogi Devnath Bapu has demanded strict action. The Collector has warned the organizers to exercise caution in the future.
Banaskantha: This year, the annual Bhadravi Poonam fair at the Adishakti Maa Jagdamba Temple in Gujarat's Banaskantha district has deviated from tradition, leading to controversy. Instead of devotional music and cultural programs, dances to film songs were organized at the camps set up in the name of serving devotees. The video of this incident went viral on social media, causing outrage among devotees and the saint community.
It is believed that devotees undertake a barefoot journey of hundreds of kilometers to reach Ambaji and fulfill their wishes by having darshan of Maa Jagdamba. In such an atmosphere of devotion and service, dancing to film songs is considered to be hurting the sentiments of devotees.
Devotees Upset Over Obscene Dance at the Fair
According to information, the main Poonam event was held on September 7 during the fair, which ran from September 1 to September 7. Millions of devotees arrived in Ambaji during this period. However, at the service camps, programs featuring female dancers performing to songs like 'Munni Badnaam Hui' and 'Waqt Barbaad Na Karo Bekaar Ki Baaton Mein' were organized. This completely diverted the atmosphere from devotion and initiated the controversy.
Videos of these incidents at camps in Patan district and Harij area have gone viral. People questioned the place of obscene entertainment in these camps, which were set up in the name of service and devotion. Devotees stated that this not only tarnished the sanctity of the fair but also raised questions about Gujarat's religious traditions.
Saints and Administration Object to Obscene Dance
Prominent Gujarat saint Yogi Devnath Bapu has bly objected to these incidents. He stated that the Ambaji fair has been known for centuries for its spirit of devotion, sacrifice, and service. Such events tarnish the culture. He demanded immediate action from the Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghvi, to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
Meanwhile, Banaskantha Collector Mihir Patel also took cognizance of the matter. Warning the organizers, he said that such programs are completely unacceptable in religious events. The Collector added that strict action will be taken against any trust or organizing committee that organizes such programs next year.
Voice Raised on Social Media
The issue quickly went viral on social media, with people expressing their displeasure. Many users wrote that it is highly shameful to organize dances to film songs when people come to the refuge of Maa Jagdamba with devotional fervor and set up camps with a spirit of service. It is an insult to the faith of devotees and a decline of culture.
People believe that if such programs continue, the faith of devotees may be broken in the future. The sacred image associated with the Ambaji fair could be tarnished. It is now the responsibility of the administration and society to curb such incidents and maintain the sanctity of the fair.
