Seers Advocate Substitution of Urdu Words in Hindu Rituals

Seers in Haridwar are urging the removal of Urdu terms like 'shahi' from Hindu religious contexts, proposing their replacement with Hindi or Sanskrit substitutes. This movement follows Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav's recent use of 'Rajasi Sawari' instead of 'Shahi Sawari'. A meeting of Akharas is planned to pass a resolution supporting this change.

Seers in Haridwar on Thursday called for the removal of Urdu words such as 'shahi' from Hindu religious contexts, proposing that they be replaced with Hindi or Sanskrit equivalents.

This initiative gained momentum after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav recently referred to the Lord Mahakal procession in Ujjain as 'Rajasi Sawari' instead of 'Shahi Sawari'. The seers aim to convene a meeting of various Akharas to discuss and pass a resolution for this change, arguing that words like 'shahi' are remnants of Mughal rule in India.

Supporting this movement, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, an apex body of saints, asserted that such terms are not part of Indian cultural tradition. According to Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri, the resolution will be sent to the administration of cities hosting the Kumbh fair and similar religious events to reinforce the adoption of Sanskrit-origin words.

(With inputs from agencies.)