Demand not to allow non-Hindu shops during Karnataka’s famous Bappanadu Durgaparameshwari Temple fair

Jatra Merchants Association’s Request to Temple Management

Mangaluru (Karnataka) – Jay Shettigar, Member of the Trader’s Union, has petitioned Shri Bappanadu Durgaparameshwari Temple administration to ban non-Hindus from doing business at the South Kannada’s famous fair conducted here. The petition demands non- Hindu traders to be banned from setting up shops within 150 metres around the temple and only Hindu traders be allowed to set up shops here. Last year too, a similar petition had been made by the Hindu traders, but it was not granted. Now too it does not seem that this petition will be granted. (It is necessary to consider the attention paid to the sanctity and purity of the flowers and other offerings sold by traders belonging to other religions – Editor).

Editorial Perspective

Why do non-Hindu traders do business at the Hindu places of worship ? Incidents of attacks on Hindu religious processions when they pass by mosques and dargahs are frequently reported. Considering that, only Hindu traders should be allowed at Hindu religious places.