A newly formed association of Hindu vendors has sparked a controversy in Karnataka, by demanding exclusive rights to participate in temple fairs and religious festivals. The association, called the Karnataka Rajya Hindu Jaatra Vyaparasthara Sangha, claims that only Hindu vendors should be allowed to set up stalls during these events, which are held in the vicinity of temples under the Endowment Department, as per Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 2002.
The Sangha, which has an honorary president named Mahesh Das, held a press conference to announce its mission and objectives. According to the Sangha, there are about 1.27 lakh Hindu vendors who are actively involved in temple fairs across the state.
The Sangha argues that allowing only Hindu vendors to participate in these events would help preserve the sanctity and authenticity of these religious and cultural gatherings, which have a deep historical and spiritual significance.
In response to the Sangha’s demand, another organisation called the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Districts Festival Merchants Coordination Committee has come forward to voice its dissent.
The committee, having presidents Sunil Kumar Bajal and B K Imthiyaz, represents traders from various castes and religions who participate in religious festivals and fairs. B K Imthiyaz, president of the committee contends that restricting vendor participation based on religious identity would violate the principles of a secular and pluralistic society, enshrined in India’s constitution.
India’s constitution guarantees the right to practice and propagate religion freely, as well as the right to equality before the law. Any regulation that discriminates against vendors based on their religious identity could potentially infringe upon these constitutional rights.
He also pointed out that non-Hindu vendors have been part of these festivals for generations, and that excluding them would not only be unfair but also detrimental to the social harmony and diversity of the state. The committee also emphasized that festivals should be an occasion for all communities to interact and celebrate together, rather than creating divisions and discrimination.
Sunil Kumar Bajaj, Committee’s president has urged the government to ensure that all traders are given equal opportunity and access to these events, regardless of their religious affiliation.
The debate over vendor’s participation in temple fairs and religious festivals is not only a matter of cultural preservation but also one of livelihoods. For many small traders, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, these events offer a significant source of income and employment. Thus, any decision taken on this issue would have a direct impact on their economic well-being and welfare, which in turn, may have implications not only for the state but also for the nation as a whole.
