HASSAN: Ahead of the Assembly polls in Karnataka, Hindu groups have opposed the tradition of Quran recitation during the historic Chennakeshava Rathotsava in Beluru town of Hassan district.
Hindu organisations have demanded that the ritual should not be observed as it is against the religion. In this regard, they have asked for a bandh on Tuesday.
The historically significant religious Belur fair is set to take place on April 4, and the district administration is worried that things might get communal just before elections.
The historical religious fair is scheduled to be taken place on April 4 and the district administration is concerned with the developments taking a communal turn at the time of elections. The temple will likely receive a Unesco heritage designation.
Last year, the Quran recital custom was observed during the religious event despite resistance from Hindu groups.
The ritual of reading the Quran aloud was allegedly forcibly added in 1932, according to activists.
In a book on the subject, doctor and author Dr. Ramesh explains why it is not necessary to read the Quran in front of the Hindu god Sri Channakeshava.
Hindu activists are doubting whether Hindu prayers can be recited in mosques and dargahs. They contend that Hindus were made to participate in the ceremony as a result of appeasement politics.
The "Rathotsav" ceremony lasts for two days, which is unusual for the state.
The former Kings of the Mysuru kingdom would present Channakeshava's idol with gold and diamond jewellery as decoration.
Lakhs of devotees gather during the temple fair. The temple's administrator had written a letter to the Muzrai department last year asking for clarification regarding the ongoing ritual, which has been carried out for years and is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim harmony.
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