Are Women in Varanasi Truly Supporting 'I Love Mahadev' Tattoos?
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Synopsis
In a bold reaction to communal tensions, women in Varanasi are promoting 'I Love Mahadev' tattoos, standing firm in their beliefs. This initiative highlights the ongoing conflict stemming from the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign. Discover how this movement unfolds amidst rising tensions in the city.
Key Takeaways
- Women in Varanasi are promoting 'I Love Mahadev' tattoos as a counter-movement.
- Local tattoo parlors are offering discounts to support the initiative.
- The movement arises amidst rising communal tensions following the Barawafat procession.
- Concerns about communal division are voiced by participants.
- Authorities have responded to protests with police action.
Varanasi, Sep 26 (NationPress) In light of the recent 'I Love Muhammad' initiative, women in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, have initiated a counter campaign promoting 'I Love Mahadev', opting to get the slogan inked on their hands. This movement, which gained momentum on Friday, saw involvement from women linked to the local BJP.
Tattoo studios throughout the city are experiencing a spike in requests, with many artists providing a 50 percent discount in support of the campaign. This development emerges amidst escalating communal tensions following the Barawafat procession in Kanpur, where 'I Love Muhammad' posters sparked extensive protests and police intervention.
Kailash, a local tattoo artist, shared with IANS, “If they can say ‘I Love Muhammad,’ then why can't we, as Hindus, advocate for ‘I Love Mahadev?’ That’s why we’re offering a 50 percent discount to anyone interested in the tattoo.”
Reena Patro, a woman who got inked, voiced her worries: “I chose this tattoo because our Mahadev is being overlooked in Varanasi. We won’t stand for that. Recently, people were advocating ‘I Love Muhammad.’ This is creating division. If this continues, we will take to the streets.”
Soma Das added, “I believe some Muslims in Varanasi have lost sight of their surroundings. This is Varanasi, the city of Mahadev. If they can publicly express their beliefs, so can we. We are doing this to demonstrate our devotion to Mahadev. And if it doesn’t cease, we are prepared to protest on the streets.”
The controversy ignited during the Barawafat procession in Kanpur, where 'I Love Muhammad' posters were displayed. Following public backlash regarding what some termed a “deviation from tradition,” multiple FIRs were lodged, prompting authorities to remove the posters across various districts.
Tensions heightened further in Bareilly, where a demonstration post-Friday prayers turned violent. As the crowd expanded, some individuals supposedly shouted inflammatory slogans. When a faction of protesters reportedly began throwing stones at police, authorities responded with a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach such sensitive matters with an unbiased lens. The recent rise in communal sentiments reflects deeper societal divides. While it's vital to respect individual beliefs, the implications of these movements must be understood in the broader context of harmony and coexistence in our nation. As always, Nation stands for promoting dialogue and understanding among diverse communities.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the 'I Love Mahadev' tattoo movement?
The movement was initiated in response to the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign, aiming to promote Hindu solidarity amidst rising communal tensions.
How are local tattoo parlors responding?
Tattoo parlors are experiencing increased demand, with many offering a 50 percent discount to support the initiative.
What are the community's concerns?
Participants express concerns about their faith being sidelined and the potential for further division within the community.
What sparked the communal tensions?
Tensions escalated after the Barawafat procession in Kanpur, where 'I Love Muhammad' posters led to protests and police action.
What impact is this movement likely to have?
The movement could either foster a sense of unity among supporters or exacerbate existing communal divides, depending on the community's response.
