Infuriated over youths swinging to the beats of disco dandiya, influential groups of sadhus have sent a petition to the district collector seeking an immediate ban on the “anti-religious and immoral’’ activity.

Led by Mahant Gopalanand, president, All India Sadhu Samaj (Gujarat chapter), the sadhus submitted a detailed memorandum to the district collector on Sunday. According to the Mahant, the practice of disco dandiya will harm religious ethics and cause “indecent results.”

“It hurts religious sentiments. Religion gets commercialised in such activities. Moreover, the presence of our leaders and officials gives such programmes an immoral legitimacy,” the Mahant said while stressing that the Supreme Court guidelines on Navratri celebrations should be implemented seriously.

“The Sadhu Samaj and other organisations will start an agitation if disco dandiya programmes are not banned forthwith,” he added.

Stating that disco garbas are against tradition, Mahant Aatmanand of Jetpur opposed the state government’s move to use “vibrant” as a prefix in the names of official programmes. He alleged that traditional festivals are being misused by the government, adding that he plans to move the court in this regard.

Meanwhile, the CPI (M) Junagadh unit has submitted a memorandum to the district collector demanding restrictions on Navaratri celebrations, particularly on the use of loud speakers beyond the specific time frame provided by the Supreme Court.

Denied permission to attend garba, girl ends life

An 18-year-old girl committed suicide by consuming poison on Saturday, after her parents refused to give her permission to attend garba. The incident was reported from Vanthali, some 15 km from Junagadh town. The deceased has been identified as Komal Raval. She was rushed to the Junagadh Civil Hospital, but died during treatment, the police said.

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