Ujjain, September 9 (Daily Kiran) : Tensions have escalated in Ujjain regarding the traditional ‘Maa Shipra Aarti’ held at Ram Ghat, as priests and local authorities find themselves at odds. Leaders from the All India Priests’ Association have expressed strong opposition to what they perceive as administrative interference in the ceremonial practices, insisting on the continuation of their long-standing traditions.
Priests have warned of a nationwide protest if their demands are not met and have called on the Indore High Court to intervene and halt any administrative changes. Pandit Ramkrishna Tiwari, the national president of the association, emphasized that the Aarti has been an integral part of the priests’ religious customs. He raised concerns that a new tendering system proposed by the administration could displace traditional priests from their roles in the ceremony.
Tiwari urged the administration to restore the previous system and respect the rights and dignity of the priests. He warned that if the situation does not improve, the protest could escalate significantly, potentially reaching the central government in New Delhi.
Arvind, the national president of the youth wing of the All India Priests’ Association, highlighted the historical significance of the Aarti, stating that the local priest community has upheld this tradition for centuries. He questioned why a long-standing religious practice should be altered, asserting that while the government is welcome to pursue development projects, it should not do so at the expense of the priest community.
The association’s leaders clarified that their opposition is not against development itself but rather in defense of their religious customs and the role of priests within these traditions. They have called for dialogue with the administration to find a resolution, warning that if their concerns are ignored, the movement could extend beyond Ujjain to a national level.
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