A complaint was filed against a girl from Ansabhat, Mapusa for commenting on the rituals and culture of Devi Lairai through social media, thereby hurting the sentiments of the Hindu community. On Tuesday evening huge crowd of devotees and dhonds gathered at Mapusa Police station and demanded the authorities to immediately bring the person to issue an apology in front of the community.
Tension flared amongst the Hindu community as a social media user posted a disrespectful comment on the Devi Lairai rituals and culture, particularly the ‘Homkhand’ ritual. Homkhand is a huge bonfire made in front of the temple. On this day male devotees who become Dhondh take up the tradition a month ago with fasting and no meat consumption. They only eat after bathing in holy places. On jatra day, they bathe in a special lake and then walk on hot coals in a ritual called ‘agnidivya’. Sentiments were hurt by the Hindu community when the user criticized this ritual saying that it causes harm to the environment.
The Social media user who goes by posted the comment on her Instagram story which reads, “I don’t know how you can call it a culture or a tradition and praise anybody while you cause harm to the environment in such a manner. I might not be the best person at taking care of environment but at least I don’t cause any harm to such an extent. No cause of hatred but mindful with your acts and take a stand respectful cultures and traditions can be taken forward with respect and mindfulness.”
The infuriated community people flocked to the Mapusa Police station, demanding an immediate apprehension of the person under Section 295 A for hurting religious sentiments. They also demanded the girl to be presented before the community and apologize.
