NEW DELHI: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) held a ‘Shobha Yatra,’ a procession on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, in the Jahangirpuri area of the national capital on Thursday. The procession was conducted after Delhi Police granted permission to take out the Yatra within a certain distance, keeping in mind the past instances of communal clashes in the area. The police had initially declined permission for the VHP and another group to conduct processions in the area, but later allowed it under strict security measures.
#WATCH दिल्ली के जहांगीरपुरी इलाके में विश्व हिंदू परिषद (VHP) द्वारा हनुमान जयंती की शोभा यात्रा आयोजित की गई। pic.twitter.com/Osn7ea7Nu6
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) April 6, 2023
The VHP, a right-wing Hindu outfit, organised the procession in the Jahangirpuri area, which has been hit by communal riots in the past. The police stated that the procession organisers will follow the approved routes and that around 200-300 people will participate in one procession, while around 500 people are expected to take part in another procession. The police also conducted a flag march in the area to promote communal harmony during the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.
Heavy security in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri
According to the police, Hindu organisers had sought permission for the Hanuman Jayanti procession in the Jahangirpuri area and the route has been regularised.
Hanuman Jayanti, which celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, is being observed today.
According to the report, Special Commissioner of Police (law and order) Deependra Pathak said, “Hanuman Jayanti celebration at Jahangirpuri is being regulated in consultation with the organisers. We are ensuring that it takes place safely and securely.”
#WATCH | Hanuman Jayanti procession by Bajrang Dal in Delhi's Nandnagri area pic.twitter.com/FDRK2VONUz
— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2023
Centre’s advisory to states
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday asked all states to ensure law and order during Hanuman Jayanti on April 6 and monitor any factor that could disturb peace and harmony in society. The MHA’s advisory was aimed at sensitising law enforcement agencies following the communal violence last week.
#WATCH | Delhi: Hanuman Jayanti Shobha Yatra organised by Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in the Jahangirpuri area. pic.twitter.com/wS7hxuCZgT
— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2023
Last year on April 16, communal clashes erupted between two communities during a procession on Hanuman Jayanti in the same area. Eight police personnel and a local resident were injured in the violence. Keeping in mind the past instances of violence, the police had initially declined permission for the processions this year, but later granted permission for the procession to take place within a certain distance under strict security measures.
On Hanuman Jayanti, devotees from all over the country visited temples to offer prayers. The Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of VHP, conducted a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Delhi’s Nandnagri area. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated every year to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman, who is worshipped as a symbol of strength and devotion in Hindu mythology.