A lot of buzz has been going on regarding the 4 day meat ban in Mumbai. People from different faiths and beliefs are discussing/debating and giving their views on the same. For those who don't know, the idea of banning the sale of meat on 4 days of Paryushan was approved by BMC on Monday. This ban implied no meat is to be sold on 10th, 13th, 17th and 18th of September. However, restaurants may continue to serve meat.
Why was this ban allegedly imposed?
Apparently, this ban was imposed in light of Paryushan, a festival that is considered really important by Jains. A festival where Jains visit their respective temples twice a day and fast for 8 days; having only boiled water during that period. However, that's for those who can fast. Those who can't, they follow certain really strict rules: they aren't supposed to eat roots, green vegetables, dairy products, have dinner before sunset and so on.
What does this ban mean to a Jain like me?
Being a Jain, I'm totally against this ban. This ban has done more harm to our community than good. Jains are made the center of all the jokes and trolls for this stupid ban imposed upon Mumbaikars. Well, to be honest, those trolls aren't to be blamed because they're forced to follow something that they don't need to.
Political angle??
Why do something that shakes the entire fundamental of the so-called-largest democracy? At one end you claim to be largest democracy and tell the world that everyone in this country is free to follow their faith, and at the other end you impose something that's followed by a very small percentage of the population. Don't call it a democracy if you force things upon people.
This is nothing but a political gimmick done by authorities to earn some brownie points and sadly, it has backfired. What else would a true believer of Jainism call it when the most basic principle of Jainism is: 'LIVE AND LET LIVE'?
Dear authorities, if you really wish to be on the good side of the Jain community or any community as a matter of fact, please impose the following bans:
- Ban Visarjan of Ganesh idols in seas. Instead make provisions like artificial ponds, etc. and ban the use of chemicals and toxic materials for Ganesh idols.
- Ban the use of firecrackers and promote Diwali as a festival of lights. Encourage people to buy lanterns, diyas and other things made by physically challenged people; creating some source of income for them.
- Ban the use of harmful chemicals during Holi and reduce water wastage overall.
(P.S. I'm not telling anyone to ban these festivals or anything. All I'm trying to say is that modify them according to the need of the hour.)
I would prefer any of these above mentioned things over that mean ban any given day!!!
And for my fellow Jains who feel this ban is necessary, just a simple question: How would you react if you would have been forced to have meat on Bakra Eid? The thought scares you, right?
Don't force your beliefs on anyone. LIVE AND LET LIVE.
-A Logical Jain.
As a fellow Jain, I agree with you because this ban is totally pointless. Our religion teaches us respect for other religious philosophies, so how can we force others to celebrate our festival if they don't want to? However, the reason the government approved this ban is because it receives a large amount of support from the Jain community. (Not that it makes the ban any less stupid.)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think it's wrong of you to ask the government to "ban" immersing of Ganesh idols or Diwali firecrackers. I agree that it is harming the environment, but all you can do is make people aware of its effects. Banning it may hurt their religious sentiments, just as banning vegetarian food (because non-veg has more proteins), may hurt our religious sentiments.
I'm not saying the festivals should be banned. All I am saying is the way they are celebrated should be slightly modified keeping in mind the things that are of utmost importance.
DeleteBy the same BMC logic, sale of alcohol should be banned during Ramzaan, even the population of Muslimsis way more than Jains in Mumbai.
ReplyDeleteThey're just playing with people and their emotions in the name of religion.
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