Piparod: On Christmas day, the Dharma Jagran Manch, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh mobilised hundreds of tribals for the annual 'Bhagat Sammelan' in the tribal-dominated Piparod village in south Gujarat.
A hillock in the area, known as 'Dev Dungar', is revered by tribals in consonance with the elements of nature. Today, priests were seen reminding the tribals of the deities synonymous with it.
As the state police remained on tenterhooks with reports of plans to conduct alleged large-scale religious conversions on Christmas, the right-wing organisations displayed a low-key approach.
The Dharma Jagran Manch observed the 'Bhagat sammelan', but there were no conversions. The focus, instead, was on reminding tribals of their Hindu roots.
"When there are delayed rains, the worship of Pani Pandey ki Dev on this hill becomes necessary. Tribals from across the region come here to make offerings'' said Ramji Bhagat, a priest who addressed the gathering.
But during their address, speakers criticised Christian missionary groups for carrying out forced conversions.
A hillock in the area, known as 'Dev Dungar', is revered by tribals in consonance with the elements of nature. Today, priests were seen reminding the tribals of the deities synonymous with it.
As the state police remained on tenterhooks with reports of plans to conduct alleged large-scale religious conversions on Christmas, the right-wing organisations displayed a low-key approach.
The Dharma Jagran Manch observed the 'Bhagat sammelan', but there were no conversions. The focus, instead, was on reminding tribals of their Hindu roots.
"When there are delayed rains, the worship of Pani Pandey ki Dev on this hill becomes necessary. Tribals from across the region come here to make offerings'' said Ramji Bhagat, a priest who addressed the gathering.
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But during their address, speakers criticised Christian missionary groups for carrying out forced conversions.
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