Chhattisgarh replaces Valentine’s Day with Matru-Pitru Diwas

mangaloretoday.com/ IT

Chhattisgarh, Feb 7: Close on the heels of the Hindu Mahasabha issuing a threat that they will marry off any couples found together on Valentine’s Day comes news that the Raman Singh government in Chhattisgarh had issued standing instructions to government schools to observe February 14 as ’Matru-Pitru Diwas’ or ’Parents’ Worship Day’.

 

 

As per the orders, the government schools will observe the day every year. The ritual began in the schools of Chhattisgarh two years ago after Asaram Bapu, now in jail on rape charges, urged Raman Singh to replace Valentine’s Day with Matru-Pitru Diwas.

The order which came from the Directorate of Public Instruction, says, "Now, parents’ day is being celebrated. No separate orders will be issued every year in this regard" suggesting that the state government has institutionalised this practice.
 
 

On this day, the parents will be invited to the schools where their children will garland them, perform aarti and also offer sweets.

Four days ago, the Hindu Mahasabha had called upon the youth of the country to celebrate Valentine’s Day as Mata Pita Pujan Diwas.