NewKerala.com

Key Points

Varanasi has become a hotspot for religious expression through a provocative tattoo campaign. Local women are getting 'I Love Mahadev' tattoos as a direct response to recent 'I Love Muhammad' posters. The movement reflects deepening communal tensions in Uttar Pradesh's religious landscape. Tattoo artists are supporting the campaign by offering significant discounts to participants.

Key Points: Varanasi Women Launch 'I Love Mahadev' Tattoo Campaign

  • Women from BJP unitorganize counter-campaign with temple tattoos
  • Tattoo parlors offer 50% discount to support movement
  • Tensions rise after Kanpur's 'I Love Muhammad' poster controversy
  • Local women express devotion and cultural pride through body art
2 min read

Women in Varanasi promote 'I Love Mahadev' tattoos amid rising tensions

Hindu women in Varanasi respond to religious tensions with 'I Love Mahadev' tattoo movement amid communal controversy

"If they can say 'I Love Muhammad,' then why can't we, as Hindus, promote 'I Love Mahadev'? - Kailash, Local Tattoo Artist"

Varanasi, Sep 26

In response to the recent 'I Love Muhammad' campaign, women in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, have launched a counter movement by promoting 'I Love Mahadev', getting the slogan tattooed on their hands. The initiative, which gained traction on Friday, saw participation from women associated with the local BJP unit.

Tattoo parlours across the city are witnessing a surge in demand, with many artists offering a 50 per cent discount to support the campaign. The move comes amid growing communal tensions following the Barawafat procession in Kanpur, where 'I Love Muhammad' posters led to widespread protests and police action.

Speaking to IANS, Local tattoo artist Kailash, who has been busy catering to the influx of clients, said, "If they can say 'I Love Muhammad,' then why can't we, as Hindus, promote 'I Love Mahadev'? That's why we're offering a 50 per cent discount to anyone who wants the tattoo."

Reena Patro, one of the women who got inked, expressed her concerns: "I got this tattoo because our Mahadev is being sidelined in Varanasi. We won't allow that to happen. A few days ago, people were promoting 'I Love Muhammad.' This is dividing us. If this continues, we will take to the streets."

Soma Das added, "I think some Muslims in Varanasi have forgotten where they are. This is Varanasi, the city of Mahadev. If they can openly express their faith, so can we. We are doing this to show our devotion to Mahadev. And if it doesn't stop, we are ready to protest on the streets."

The controversy began during the Barawafat procession in Kanpur, where 'I Love Muhammad' posters were displayed. Following public outrage over what some called a "deviation from tradition," multiple FIRs were filed, and authorities began removing the posters across several districts.

Tensions escalated further in Bareilly, where a protest following Friday prayers turned violent. As the crowd grew, some individuals allegedly shouted objectionable slogans. When a section of protesters reportedly began pelting stones at police personnel, authorities responded with a lathi charge to disperse the gathering.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Jai Mahadev! Proud of these women for standing up for our faith. Varanasi is indeed the city of Lord Shiva and we should never forget that. The 50% discount is a nice gesture by the tattoo artists.
A
Aman W
As a Varanasi resident, I'm worried about where this is heading. Both campaigns are creating unnecessary tension in our peaceful city. Can't we just live together respectfully?
S
Sarah B
While I understand the sentiment, permanent tattoos for political/religious statements seem extreme. There are better ways to show devotion without escalating tensions.
K
Karthik V
The real issue is politicians using religion to divide people. Common citizens from both communities want peace, but these campaigns are being pushed by political groups. Very disappointing.
N
Nisha Z
Har Har Mahadev! Our faith is our strength. But I hope this doesn't lead to violence. We should express our devotion peacefully and set an example for others.

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