Copies of Diwali issue of ‘Goan Varta’ burnt by devout Hindus and cultural activists in Sankhali, Goa

The cover of the issue featured a woman in Western attire and missing ‘Kumkum’ on forehead

Sankhali (Goa) – On the evening of 3rd November, the Diwali issue of ‘Goan Varta’ were burnt by the devout Hindus and cultural activists near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sankhali as a protest against the cover photo that did not deem appropriate as per the Hindu traditions.

Diwali is an important festival in Hindu culture and many newspapers publish Diwali issues. The covers of these issues generally feature decent, well-cultured, and pious women who are suitable to Hindu traditions. The cover photo of this year’s Diwali issue of ‘Goan Varta’ daily has featured a model in Western attire, missing ‘Kumkum’ on the forehead, untied hair, and exposing body parts to some extent. The media must maintain the sanctity of Hindu festivals and celebrations. Owing to this, the cultural activists and the devout Hindus burnt the aforementioned Diwali issue as a protest. They also appealed not to buy that issue and said that they shall remain committed against any act of denigration of Hindu Dharma, festivals, celebrations, Deities, etc.

An appeal was also made to the Management of ‘Goan Varta’ to take the note and avoid repeating the mistake.