Rationalists and Traditionalists Clash over Public Feast During Lunar Eclipse

Bhubaneswar: Rationalists and ritualists clashed in Bhubaneswar and Berhampur today over public feasts organized by rationalists during lunar eclipse.

Groups of traditionalists related to various Hindu organizations like Bajrang Dal reached the spots where rationalists were holding these feats in the capital city and Berhampur. They shouted slogans against the rationalists and threw cow dung at the rationalist leaders present on the spot.

Traditionalist opposers also tore up the banners and posters put up by the rationalists. Clashes occurred between them near Lohia Academy in Bhubaneswar and Charvak Bhavan in Berhampur. Police had to interfere and use force to disperse the traditionalists.

Rationalists are opposed to ‘superstitious’ traditional beliefs like not eating during eclipses. To proclaim their viewpoint they are organizing mass feasts during eclipse time. The traditionalists consider this approach of rationalists as an attack on their religious beliefs.