Madhya Pradesh: In the heart of Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India, a voice echoes against the cultural tide, urging Hindus to reassess their embrace of Christmas and the iconic figure of Santa Claus. Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, revered as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar or Maharaj or Bageshwar Baba, stands as a prominent religious leader in the region, expressing his concerns about the impact of Western influences on the age-old traditions of Sanatan Dharma.
#Christmas2023: #BageshwarDham’s Dhirendra Krishna Shastri opposes culture of #Christmas and #SantaClaushttps://t.co/nc8pu6pQB6 pic.twitter.com/0cv1hcsMAK
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) December 25, 2023
In a recent statement, Bageshwar Baba vehemently opposed the celebration of Christmas on the 25th of January, asserting that it is not a part of Sanatan Dharma. He called upon Bhartiya Sanatani parents to refrain from promoting the concept of Santa Claus among their children. Instead, he advocated for redirecting their focus towards Lord Hanuman, encouraging parents to send their children to Hanuman ji temples. According to Maharaj Shastri, the day should be celebrated as ‘Matra-Pitra Pujan Divas’ (Parents Worship Day), emphasizing the significance of honoring and respecting parents.
“True Sanatani,” he declared, “should not succumb to the allure of Western cultures but rather uphold the values embedded in Sanatan Dharma.” In his impassioned plea.
The religious leader prompted introspection, asking, “If you believe in the concept that Santa Claus would come and bring gifts, are you truly a Bhartiya and a Sanatani?” Drawing inspiration from historical figures such as Meera Bai, Rani Lakshmibai, and Swami Vivekananda, he encouraged his followers to emulate their commitment to indigenous values and resist the infiltration of Western cultural practices.
“Bageswar Peeth openly opposes this Western culture,” Maharaj Shastri declared, reinforcing his commitment to preserving the authenticity of Sanatan Dharma. He emphasized the importance of redirecting the focus of celebrations towards traditional rituals, urging individuals to participate in Tulsi Poojan and Matra-Pitra Poojan, thereby reconnecting with the roots of their cultural heritage.
