Ahead of the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, the Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) "Akshate Invitation Maha campaign" in Bengaluru has stirred unease among residents.
The campaign, which involves the distribution of holy rice (akshate) and informational pamphlets on celebrating the event, has faced criticism for reports of forceful entries into homes and pressure to perform pooja rituals, according to The News Minute.
Residents in south Bengaluru have recounted experiences of VHP members, donned in saffron shawls, insisting on entering their homes to conduct pooja in private spaces. Some residents expressed discomfort over the uninvited entry and viewing of prayer rooms, questioning the appropriateness and intrusiveness of the campaign.
A resident from Vikasipura, aged 63, stated to The News Minute, "How can they insist on coming into our homes and seeing pooja rooms? Wherever the temple is being built isn't our concern. Going door to door is wrong."
Another resident from Kumaraswamy Layout shared, "They insisted on coming inside and seeing my pooja room. I understand their enthusiasm, but entering someone's home without prior permission is inappropriate."
Despite the discomfort expressed by residents, a spokesperson from the VHP defended the campaign, emphasizing its goal to spread the message conveyed by the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Kshetra Trust. The VHP encourages people to celebrate January 22, similar to Deepavali, by lighting lamps in their houses.
The distributed instructions, endorsed by Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirthakshetra, outline various activities for devotees to mark the occasion, including watching the live telecast of the Ayodhya ceremony, engaging in devotional activities, and chanting ‘Sri Rama Jayarama’ 108 times.
However, the instructions explicitly prohibit processions, public events, or bursting of firecrackers on the inauguration day.
The inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, set to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is a major event. Right-wing groups in several states have announced plans to provide special assistance to devotees visiting the temple after its consecration, offering transportation, accommodation, and food services.
The history of the contested site, which dates back to 1885, involves a legal battle that culminated in the Supreme Court granting the entire 2.77 acres of disputed land to deity Ram Lalla in 2019.
The verdict, while acknowledging the egregious violation of the rule of law during the Babri Masjid's demolition in 1992, faced criticism for its acceptance of "faith over fact" in determining legal possession of the land.