Cong, BJP war of words over ‘Sawan Somvar' holidays in Ujjain schools
While Mondays will be closed, schools will remain open on Sundays. The decision was taken as Lord Mahakaleshwar's Sawari (procession) hits Ujjain streets on the five Mondays during Shravan from July 14 to Aug 11.
It is believed that Lord Mahakaleshwar is the ruler of Ujjain, and he comes out of the temple on "Sawan Somvars" to know the well-being of the people of Ujjain. A huge procession of seers, priests, and disciples travels through the entire town, dancing, singing, and beating drums.
Massive crowds from Ujjain and outside the city gather to witness the procession and get a glimpse of Lord Mahakaleshwar, who is carried by temple priests in a palanquin.
Congress MLA from Bhopal (Central) seat, Arif Masood, questioned the decision of the Ujjain district administration, while the BJP defended the decision. Masood alleged that Ujjain collector Roshan Kumar Singh issued the order to please chief minister Mohan Yadav, who comes from Ujjain.
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Speaking to reporters, Arif Masood said, "Mahakal's procession has been a regular event during Savan Mondays, and customarily, people from every society and religion welcome it. Since this customary procession has always been part of Ujjain, what was the requirement to close schools on Mondays and hold classes on Sundays?"
Masood further said, "What if people from other religions start asking for such holidays, what will the govt do? Will they declare holidays for other religions too? The country must run according to the Constitution, not for one religion.
This order is not for Mahakaleshwar Sawari or the children of Ujjain. It looks like the collector issued this irrelevant order to please the chief minister."
The district collector Ujjain's order issued on July 7 said, "In view of the Lord Mahakaleshwar Sawari during the month of Shravan, all govt and non-govt schools within the boundaries of Ujjain Municipal Corporation area will remain closed on Mondays, July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4, and August 11.
In its place, the schools will run in their usual scheduled time on Sundays, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, and August 10.
"
A political dispute started after Arif Masood's comments. Minister for youth affairs, Vishwas Sarang, said, "Reacting to Arif Masood's comment is a waste of time. The country respects the traditions of Sanatan Dharma. Lord Mahakal's ride in Ujjain is a historical tradition. The govt has taken the decision so that young devotees can participate in the procession."
BJP MLA from Huzur assembly seat, Rameshwar Sharma, said, "Parents of school students are very happy that schools will remain closed on Mondays so they may participate in Lord Mahakal's Sawari and take His blessings. There is a special importance attached to the worship of Lord Mahakal during Sawan Mondays. People come from across the world to witness the procession. School children get caught in massive traffic jams.
This decision was taken to save students from the crowds."
Replying to Masood's claim that the district administration took the decision to please the chief minister, Sharma said, "Masood is opposing this decision to please the Muslim community, Sonia Gandhi, and other Congress leaders."
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