Feb 12 • 10:55 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

'Where Bittu and Sona will meet...' Poster for Valentine's Day

Shiv Sena workers in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar performed rituals with sticks and put up posters opposing Valentine's Day, claiming it to be a Western import.

In Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Shiv Sena activists have expressed their opposition to Valentine's Day by performing rituals involving sticks at the Pehalwan Baba temple. The rituals included pouring oil on the sticks, which the group used as symbols in their protest against the celebration of Valentine's Day. Following the worship, posters were placed throughout the city, alarming the public with provocative messages directing against Western influences.

The posters read phrases like, "Where Bittu and Sona will meet, we will break every corner," indicating a strong stance against public displays of affection and relationships that they associate with indecency. This initiative reflects a broader trend among some political and religious groups in India who view Western cultural practices as a threat to traditional Indian values. Pappu Tiwari, the sub-state head of Shiv Sena, and District In-charge Vikas Singh reinforced this narrative by declaring that the celebration of Valentine's Day is unacceptable in public spaces.

The actions taken by Shiv Sena in Sagar signify a growing movement against globalization and a push for preserving local cultural identities. This incident not only highlights the ongoing cultural tensions in India regarding celebration and expression of love but also raises questions about the limits of free expression in society as protesters aim to curb practices they deem inappropriate. Such actions can lead to a polarizing effect in the community, promoting debates over personal freedoms versus traditionalist views.

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