Mysuru: Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Monday said Mahisha Dasara can be organised as the Constitution allows citizens to practise their religious beliefs, but stressed that the celebrations should not hurt anyone’s religious sentiments.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yaduveer said people have the constitutional right to follow and observe their religious practices and that no one can prevent them from doing so.
“Mahisha Dasara can be organised in a manner that does not cause harm or inconvenience to anyone,” he said.
On the demand to allow devotees to offer floral tributes at the Mahishasura statue atop Chamundi Hill, Yaduveer questioned the rationale behind holding such an event at the site.
“Chamundi Hill is the abode of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Why should it be held there?” he asked.
Yaduveer said the district administration and concerned authorities should take appropriate measures regarding the Mahisha Dasara celebrations. At the same time, he said existing religious traditions and beliefs should be respected.
“We follow the traditions and beliefs associated with our religion. They should not be hurt,” he said, adding that elected representatives had conveyed to the authorities their concerns about the traditions and beliefs associated with Chamundi Hill.
The remarks come amid discussions over the proposed Mahisha Dasara celebrations in Mysuru and demands concerning access to the Mahishasura statue on Chamundi Hill.