Days after the Karnataka High Court ruled against wearing hijab in educational institutions where a dress code is in place, Education Minister B C Nagesh has declared that Ganesha Chaturthi is a social and not a religious event.
Nagesh gave a green signal for Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations in schools, terming it as a social event that freedom fighter Balgangadhar Tilak started before Independence to unite the Hindus to fight against the British.
“Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations are ‘sarvajanik’ celebrations. It is a social event, not a religious event. This was started by Tilak to bring all Hindus under one roof to fight against the British rule before Independence,” he told reporters.
Ganesha Chaturthi was celebrated in schools even during the Congress rule in the state and it will continue this year too, he stated.
Turning down the Wakf Board’s request to allow namaz or other religious activities in schools, Nagesh said no to it by saying that no other Hindu festival is permitted because those are not social events and the same applies to festivals of other religions, including Islam and Christianity.
Earlier, Wakf Board Chairman Shafi Saadi sought permission for Eid Milad, Friday namaz and activities related to the Christian community too. He also sought permission for a separate room for Friday namaz for Muslim students.
