Mumbai: Religious processions during Hindu festivals across the country are increasingly becoming platforms for communal hatred, vulgar slogans, and abusive language, especially targeting Muslims. What should ideally be a display of religious devotion is now being overshadowed by hate speeches and inflammatory chants.
A similar disturbing scene unfolded in Mumbai’s western suburbs near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport during a Ram Navami rally. Reports indicate that thousands of youth, mainly between the ages of 20 and 30, took part in the procession, along with a few elderly men and women.
Throughout the event, provocative slogans and hate-filled songs blared from loudspeakers. Chants like “Dig up Aurangzeb’s grave” and obscene abuses aimed directly at Muslims filled the air. Shockingly, this unfolded right in front of the police and administration, who chose to remain passive spectators. Participants in the rally, in unison, shouted profanities and threats without any intervention.
Adding to the tensions, individuals repeatedly picked up microphones to incite the crowd further. Slogans like “Send anyone who wants Afzal Khan to Pakistan” were loudly and passionately raised.
Despite a strong police presence, there was no effort to curb the hateful rhetoric. Videos of the incident have gone viral on social media, with many users expressing deep concern. One user commented, “When a sacred festival like Ram Navami becomes a stage for hatred and vulgarity, it not only defiles faith but pollutes the soul of the nation.” Another remarked, “Even Ram must be wondering where these Hindus came from.”
This is not the first time that religious processions have turned into communal flashpoints. In recent years, many such events have witnessed similar hate-filled demonstrations, using religious symbols as tools to provoke minority communities.
