Similar orders barring the use of chemical-mixed paints for Ayudha Pooja rituals at the Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha were issued by the BJP as well.
Published Oct 19, 2023 | 2:38 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 19, 2023 | 7:40 AM
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In a move aimed at upholding the cultural and architectural heritage of Karnataka, the Siddaramaiah-led government issued a circular on Wednesday, 18 October, ahead of the Dasara festivities barring chemical-mixed colours during Ayudha Puja rituals at Vidhana Soudha.
The directive specifically addressed the conduct of Ayudha Puja at iconic landmarks — Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha.
The 10-day Dasara festivities began on 15 October and will culminate on 24 October.
The BJP criticised the government’s move of barring the use of turmeric and kumkum during the Ayudha Pooja rituals at the Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha, and termed it as an “attack on Hindu traditions”.
CM Siddaramaiah was quick to add context to this decision: He called upon the public to disregard unfounded criticisms related to the government’s directive, highlighting that similar instructions were issued in 2021 and 2022, when BJP was at the helm.
Apparently, many departments did not heed the previous circulars.
The current circular emphasised that preserving the beauty of the heritage buildings was the primary responsibility of every officer and employee. It encouraged a mindset of voluntary compliance with the provided instructions.
It also reminded employees to turn off lights and electrical switches before leaving the office on the puja day.
Several BJP leaders criticised the Siddaramaiah government for the perceived barring of kumkum and turmeric during Dasara festivities inside Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha, although that was not the case.
However, this did not stop some of them from calling the move an “attack on Hindu traditions”.
In his post on X, BJP spokesperson Prakash S said: “Do not use turmeric powder, Kumkum and cucumber during Ayudha Pooja in Vidhana Soudha directed by the Karnataka government.”
Do not use Turmeric powder, Kumkum and cucumber during Ayudha Pooja in Vidhana Soudha directs Karnataka govt.
Now Pooja is also barred inside Vidhan Soudha by con party govt. Hindu traditions under attack by the regime. @Vishwasshettre @vivekshettym @CTRavi_BJP @AvinashCKM… pic.twitter.com/fDb8zwPynU
— Prakash.S 🇮🇳 (@sprakaashbjp) October 18, 2023
“Now pooja is also barred inside Vidhana Soudha by the Congress government (sic). Hindu traditions under attack by the regime,” Prakash expressed his anger at the Congress.
Even Vijayapura City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has reposted the aforementioned post on X.
Responding to criticisms, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the continuity of an existing directive regarding barring the use of chemical dyes within the premises of Vidhana Soudha and Vikas Soudha.
In his post on X, he said: “This is not a new order that during Ayudha pooja no chemical dyes including turmeric-kumkum should be used in Vidhana Soudha and Vikas Soudha multi-storied buildings inside the offices or corridors.”
ಆಯುಧಪೂಜೆ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಧಾನಸೌಧ, ವಿಕಾಸಸೌಧ ಹಾಗೂ ಬಹುಮಹಡಿ ಕಟ್ಟಡಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅರಿಶಿನ-ಕುಂಕುಮ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಯಾವುದೇ ರಾಸಾಯನಿಕಯುಕ್ತ ಬಣ್ಣಗಳನ್ನು ಕಚೇರಿಗಳ ಒಳಗೆ ಅಥವಾ ಕಾರಿಡಾರ್ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬಳಸಬಾರದು ಎಂದು ಹೊರಡಿಸಿರುವ ಆದೇಶ ಇದು ಹೊಸತೇನಲ್ಲ. ಇವುಗಳು ಪಾರಂಪರಿಕ ಕಟ್ಟಡಗಳಾಗಿರುವುದರಿಂದ ರಾಸಾಯನಿಕಯುಕ್ತ ಬಣ್ಣಗಳು ನೆಲಹಾಸಿನ ಮೇಲೆ ಬಿದ್ದು,… pic.twitter.com/nsv95rMME3
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) October 18, 2023
He added: “Since these are heritage buildings, we have followed the tradition followed by the previous governments to avoid the damage caused by chemical paints falling on the floor and their stain lasting forever or for a long time.”
Siddaramaiah urged the public not to be swayed by unfounded criticisms targeting the government’s decision in this matter.
