In Varanasi, members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal have reportedly put up posters that ban non-Hindus from entering the Ganga ghats, as per TNN.
Nikhil Tripathi, 'Rudra', the city convenor of Bajrang Dal, said the posters as a 'clear' message to those who use ghats like picnic spots.
"We are warning to them to stay away from the ghats of Ganga, as it is not a picnic spot but a symbol of 'Sanatan' culture," he said.?
VHP city secretary Rajan Gupta said those with no respect for Sanatan dharma must not visit ghats and temples.?
"We will welcome them if they show respect to Sanatan dharma," he said.
The poster also states that "this is a warning, not a request".?
Varanasi is a popular tourist destination for foreigners and they spend a lot of time on Ghats interacting with the local people.?
Right-wing activists had earlier objected to tourists smoking on the ghats.?
On New Year's Eve, activists had also chanted the Hanuman Chalisa in front of a Church.?
"New Year celebration is a meaningless event. It has no morality and has nothing to do with spirituality. Such events take the youth of the country on the wrong path," added 'Rudra'.
According to him, the liquor and drug mafia took advantage of this situation on the pretext of celebration.?
Bajrang Dal has also demanded that liquor be banned from being sold in bars, pubs, hotels and clubs during New Year.
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