Bhramin rituals are outdated: Pune-based author

Distinguished author Dr Aswini Dhongde created a flutter at an event in Bhugaon when she said that Bhramin rituals were outdated

Distinguished author Dr Aswini Dhongde created a flutter at an event in Bhugaon when she said that Bhramin rituals were outdated

PROGRESSIVE remarks in religious conventions tend to spark off controversies. Likewise, author Dr Aswini Dhongde created a flutter when she said that Bhramin rituals were outdated.
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Speaking on Transformation in the Life of a Brahmin Woman, at the 5th Bahubhasheek Brahmin Mahadhiveshan at Bhugaon, she said, "Wearing janwa (an auspicious thread worn by the boys after maujibandhan), keeping shendi (Brahmins who shave their heads and only grow a thick lock on the back of their head) and performing sandhya (a daily worship ritual) is now outdated and it is not necessary to follow these customs."

Dr Dhongde's comments angered the crowd of almost 3.5 lakh Brahmins attending the convention. Few members in the audience got aggressive and even tried to clamber on to the stage.
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"I had not gone there to fight," she said. When MiD DAY probed her further on what she actually meant, she added, "For me the topic is over. I am not in a mood to speak on this matter."

Convention president, Moreshwar Ghaisas, expressing views of conservative Brahmins said, "We do not agree with her. According to us, Brahmins should perform daily sandhya, always wear janwa and keep a shendi." Dr Dhongde later apologised for her comment.

BJP Corporator Mukta Tilak, present on the occasion, said, "The author chose the wrong platform to express her views. I feel she drifted away from the topic given to her by the organisers."

Compere Mangesh Waghmare blamed the media for the controversy. "Media should have highlighted the fact that the community was not asking for reservations or aid. That should have been the focus and not this issue," he said. "Each one has the liberty to follow his or her own belief. Brahmins are known to be progressive right from the beginning. Brahminism is a way of life and is not a caste."

The two-day convention saw the presence of religious heads like Jayendra Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti Peeth, Pejawar Peethadhishwar Vishwesh Ramteertha and Baba Ramdeo. Among politicians, MP Suresh Kalmadi, Delhi CM Sheila Dixit, Shiv Sena MP Suresh Prabhu, BJP MLA Girish Bapat attended the meet.

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