“Kamala’s got it wrong: Diwali isn’t just a secular ‘festival of lights’ but has a deep Sanatana core”, First Post, November 1, 2024:
“Hindu festivals have for long been under secular, Left-‘liberal’ assault. They have been targeted in the name of environmental protection, gender rights, and poverty issues, among others.
So, before every Diwali, a campaign gets started to save the environment; before Holi, the importance of water becomes paramount; on Raksha Bandhan, we are reminded of the importance of shunning misogynistic tendencies (why should only brothers get to protect sisters, why not the other way round?); and before Shivratri, we are taunted about wasting milk on an idol when so many poor children go hungry! Even on Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi, sermons come our way to protect water bodies from pollution!
In recent years, another trend has gained ground: secularising Sanatana culture and traditions. In this backdrop, US presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ post on ‘X’ is quite revealing. She writes, “Tonight, we join more than 1 billion people across America and around the world lighting diyas and celebrating the fight for good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights!……..”
Read the full article at Firstpost.com
