Thiruvananthapuram: Severely condemning the conduct of pyrotechnics display and elephant procession during the temple festivals, the RSS on Monday said the madness should not be termed as ritual.
The RSS made its stand clear in the wake of recent fire mishap at Paravur Puttingal that claimed more than 100 lives.
In a strong-worded article published in its mouthpiece Kesari, the RSS has harshly censured both the fireworks show and elephant procession.
The Hindu community should avoid the unsuitable traditions observed in temple festivals. The fireworks show conducted in even minor temples
spending crores of rupees is a social evil. In temples like Sabarimala, crackers were busted to ward off wild animals.
Over the years, it become a ritual. The fireworks display, which disturbs the concentration of the devotees, has no more significance or reason.
Only those suffering from mental illness can call the pyrotechnics show, which is even capable of demolishing the temple, an art, it says.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said that the fireworks show cannot be banned since it a custom associated with temples.
This statement should be evaluated against the background of ensuing polls, it says. The Hindu community has so far showed reluctance in following the words of Mannathu Padmanabhan and Sree Narayana Guru who said the elephants and fireworks should not be used in temples. The harassment of elephants by keeping them under the scorching sun and in the middle of fire torches and crackers should be stopped. It is high time to understand that elephants cannot be domesticated fully, it adds.