Cultural Clash: Bajrang Dal and Sufi Foundation Denounce Valentine's Day Celebrations

In Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad, the Bajrang Dal and Bharatiya Sufi Foundation strongly opposed Valentine's Day, viewing it as a Western cultural invasion. Declaring it 'Martyrdom Day,' they aim to honor Pulwama attack victims. Authorities assure public peace measures amidst the ongoing cultural debate.

In a fervent display of cultural nationalism, Moradabad's Bajrang Dal and Bharatiya Sufi Foundation have jointly denounced Valentine's Day as an unwelcome influence of Western culture. This stance takes on a poignant note with the declaration of February 14 as 'Martyrdom Day', commemorating the 40 Indian soldiers slain in the 2019 Pulwama attack. The tragedy unfolded on the same day four years ago, when a suicide bomber struck a security convoy.

Bajrang Dal leaders have mobilized 12 teams to patrol Moradabad, extending their watch to 20 additional squads in surrounding districts. Their mission is clear: prevent the celebration of Valentine's Day and inspire commemoration of fallen heroes. The organization's Rashtriya state president, Rohan Saxena, highlighted their approach, stating, "Couples in public might be asked about their relationship; non-relatives will be encouraged to participate in cultural rituals such as tying a rakhi." Saxena was quick to note the non-violent nature of their actions, focusing on education rather than confrontation.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Bharatiya Sufi Foundation's national president, Kashish Warsi, advocated for guiding youth away from what they label a 'British ritual.' Emphasizing cultural and moral grounding over religious discord, Warsi urged young people to observe the day through introspection and prayer rather than celebration. Meanwhile, Moradabad police, led by SP city Kumar Ranveer Singh, assured robust peace-keeping arrangements, pledging swift legal action against any disruptions to public order.