Demonizing Hindu festivals in the name of animal activism

Why Hindu festivals are soft targets?

As a child, there was always excitement when festivals were around. Grown-ups and kids were equally excited. The new dresses, gifts, the bright lights, flowers, foods, the chanting of mantras — to sum up, excitement is in the air.

But it’s not just the dresses and gifts which brought happiness to our surroundings, it’s actually the sense of belonging, the connection that we all feel with each other during these festivals.

But today the same buzz could not be seen around. Why?

Whenever there is a Hindu festival around all sorts of activism are on active mode especially the animal activists. The media, ads, international media, TV everyone in the chorus runs propaganda against Hindu festivals.

There was a time when newspapers, ads were filled with cultural vibrancy of our festivals but today it is not so. Before kids in the school were asked to write the importance of our festivals but today they are taught how Hindu festivals are not in harmony with nature.

Let us discuss a few incidents of how our festivals are targeted

1. Cow in PETA India’s Raksha Bandhan Billboard Campaign Seeks Protection-

Just a day back PETA one of the world's largest animal rights organization that is always on the front to push in their activism through our festivals tried to spread awareness that during the Raksha Bandhan most of us wear rakhis made of leather. Frankly speaking I personally never have seen rakhis around the market with leather straps.

Maybe some elite by accident Hindus might have flaunted their leather rakhis but in majority cases, leather rakhis could never be thought of.

How can we offer an item made of cow’s flesh to our diety? Generally, it is seen that rakhis are offered to the deity at the home before the ceremony begins.

PETA should talk with proper facts and figures before going for us.

If PETA’s activism is a genuine one why they don't take on the giants? Vero Moda, Armani, Gucci, etc. Why they don't take on the beef industry?

Why not target politicians like Sibal who have been running the beef business since ages and his wife was at once the “queen of Indian beef trade”

PETA’s activism tested- A hoarding by PETA was removed after the complaint by President of the Islamic Centre of India. As it hurts their religious sentiments.

And this was the exact statement he made “The hoarding is sending out a wrong message, it is objectionable. The community strongly objects to it,” he added.”

No one challenged them on twitter, FB, or via newspapers? Nor do PETA tried to challenge them. As they clearly know the repercussions of doing so.

2. Celebrate Janamashtami using vegan ghee to keep cows happy too- This was two years back when PETA again tried to push on their activism through Janmashtami. Ghee is an integral part of Lord Krishna’s life. After all, If you look at paintings and listen to your grandmother’s tales, then there is always an association of Lord Krishna with ghee or as the rest of the world knows it.

Why activism by the media and NGOs goes on sleep mode when it is actually required?

During the Bakr-Eid streets and roads turning red with the blood of goats, sheep, cows, and camels on the day of the festival have upset compassionate citizens.

About 240 million turkeys are raised for food every year in the U.S.; approximately 85 million of them are slaughtered and eaten for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

What impression can be left on upcoming generations by such propaganda?

• It is but obvious if someone has grown up in a toxic environment filled with anti-Hindu sentiments will naturally develop distaste towards its culture and festivities.
• You will find them holding placards and banners to protest against Hindu festivals once they grow up.
• Further, they will join NGOs and media houses which will help them be more vocal in anti-Hindu sentiments.
• In the end, you will find them turned into an atheist.

What can be done to stop this toxic fume of anti-Hindu sentiments

• Be unapologetic- First, we should have staunch faith in our culture and should clearly know that our scriptures clearly speak of living with nature in harmony. Further, you can read this book:-Hinduism and ecology.
• Legal route:- Dharmic lawyers should challenge such propaganda factories directly in the court. Such lawyers should be given morale boost by appreciating their contribution which will inspire them to fight courageously.
• Educating the people around:- If we have the fortune to be blessed with shastric knowledge then it will be an injustice if we do not propagate it aggressively across our circle. Awareness is the first step.
• Preparing your children:- If you are prepared then it is your duty to train your child. Take them to villages, connect them to their cultural roots, let them explore the real Bharat, and be ready with factual answers to their questions.
• Be ready for war before it comes knocking on your doorsteps.

If you don’t have something to live for, then you have nothing worth dying for-H.H. Radhanath Swami

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