Daltonganj activist Sharmila Verma calls for decency and cultural respect at Dandiya Raas events
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, October 16: Civil society activist Sharmila Verma, known for her persistent campaigns promoting road safety, has raised…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, October 16: Civil society activist Sharmila Verma, known for her persistent campaigns promoting road safety, has raised concerns over the use of vulgar songs, suggestive lyrics and what she describes as inappropriate conduct at festival dance events, particularly Dandiya Raas programmes organised during Navratri.
Verma said cultural celebrations should reflect the traditions, values and religious significance associated with festivals rather than become occasions for promoting obscenity and vulgarity.
“It is shameful to hear such cheap songs with suggestive and sexually charged lyrics being played at festivals and celebrations like Dandiya. In the name of modernisation, obscenity and profanity are being encouraged,” she said.
Questioning whether such practices represented genuine social progress, Verma asked, “Are we advancing or lowering our own standards?”
Referring to several Dandiya Raas programmes organised in the town over the past few days, Verma said some events had maintained the traditional dance form’s cultural dignity, elegance and grace, while others, in her view, had witnessed excessive vulgarity and indecency.
She emphasised that her concern was not simply about loud Western music but about preserving the sanctity of religious celebrations during Navratri.
Dandiya Raas, a traditional folk dance associated with Gujarat, is widely performed during Navratri festivities. Verma said such celebrations should retain their cultural character and remain respectful of the religious occasion.
‘Be Bold, but Not Indecent’
Verma also expressed concern over what she considered inappropriate clothing at some events, arguing that dress and conduct should be consistent with the religious and cultural setting of the celebrations.
Calling for greater awareness among young people, she urged the younger generation to remain connected to their traditions while embracing modernity.
“I am neither the civil police nor an enforcer of public morality. I simply want Gen Z to remain faithful to its traditions and culture. Girls should be bold but not indecent, and boys should be friendly but not disrespectful towards religious rituals,” she said.
Verma also called on parents to guide their children on appropriate behaviour at public celebrations.
A Call to Preserve Cultural Values
The activist’s appeal comes amid continuing discussions about balancing changing social preferences with the cultural and religious traditions associated with public festivals.
She maintained that celebrations such as Dandiya Raas could be vibrant, enjoyable and contemporary without compromising their cultural significance.
Her message to young people was to participate enthusiastically in festivities while maintaining respect for the traditions and values that give these occasions their identity.
