Togadia calls for end of evil practices like 'Pankti Bheda' in Hindu temples

Udupi, Nov 25: Calling upon the Hindus to get united, Vishwa Hindu Parishad suprimo Pravin Togadia on Saturday said that the evil practices like 'Pankti Bheda' should be stopped in the Hindu temples.

Many prominent Hindu temples across India including in Udupi have been practicing Pankti Bheda (separate seating arrangements for Brahmins and non-Brahmins for meals since time immemorial.

Speaking at the second day of Dharma Sansad, Togadia said that there should not be discrimination practised in any form by the religious institutions and the religious heads. The people at the lower strata of society should be taken in the flow of Hinduism.

Togadia added that the religion with its ancient importance has to be more inclusive to fight the external invasion.

Stating that inequality is not acceptable and the practice of untouchability is nowhere mentioned in Vedas, he questioned why one cannot observe divinity among Dalits, and maintained that God is present in everyone and everything.

Reiterating that untouchability is an evil which weakens the religion, Togadia said that inequality should be eliminated and religious ideals should be disseminated all over and the mass should be told about the sanctity of the religion, which is the oldest civilisation in the world.

Togadia’s comments came amidst raising concerns over possibilities of lower caste Hindus rebelling against so called upper caste Hindus across the country.