The ritual, conducted a day before Valentine’s Day, was intended to voice opposition to public displays of affection, which the groups claim undermine Indian cultural values. State minister of the organisations, Rakesh Prajapati, said, “In Indian culture, love is associated with dignity and respect. Under Western influence, public obscenity is being promoted, and such acts will not be tolerated in Bhopal.”
He emphasised that the protests are not directed against genuine expressions of love or family values but against activities perceived to violate public decorum.
In addition to the ‘Dand Pujan,’ the organisations have announced the deployment of monitoring teams across the city. Around a dozen Rashtriya Bajrang Dal teams are expected to patrol major parks, crowded areas, and public spaces during February 14 to discourage objectionable activities.
The Sanskriti Bachao Manch has also taken measures to regulate Valentine’s Day celebrations in the city. The group has cautioned hotel operators against hosting special events on the occasion. Office-bearers of the organisation stated, “Indian culture and traditions form the nation’s identity. We appeal to the youth to observe Maha Shivratri on February 14 instead of engaging in Valentine’s Day celebrations.”
The groups have further announced the formation of 15 monitoring teams tasked with overseeing hotels, malls, and parks in Bhopal to ensure compliance with their directives.
Bhopal has a history of similar protests, reflecting the ongoing debate between conservative and modern social practices in India. Observers note that while these demonstrations rarely escalate into violence, they underscore a cultural friction regarding public celebration of Western holidays in traditionally conservative regions.
Authorities are expected to maintain a watchful presence in public spaces on Valentine’s Day to ensure law and order while balancing citizens’ rights to celebrate the festival.
The protests are likely to rekindle discussions on cultural preservation, youth freedom, and the extent to which Western festivals should be adopted or regulated within Indian society.
