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New Delhi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has urged the Hindu community to refrain from celebrating religious festivals such as Christmas citing ‘cultural awareness’. The organisation has linked this appeal to safeguarding religion and tradition, targeting not only the general public but also shopkeepers, shopping malls, and educational institutions.

In a letter dated December 13, Surendra Gupta, VHP’s ‘Indrapastha Province Minister’, wrote that in the current times, the Hindu community ought to engage in religious practices with self-restraint and dignity. The letter asserts that ‘organised efforts of religious conversion’ have been going on in various parts of the country for a long time, and participation in festivals of other faiths may lead to social acceptance of other faiths.

VHP’s Surendra Gupta.

The Wire Hindi asked Surendra Gupta whether his appeal does not contradict the essence of individuals’ religious freedom.

He responded, “This issue is not about religious freedom, but rather about conversion. Christian missionaries exploit our tolerant nature; they carry out conversions, and this appeal aims to halt that.”

The letter explicitly appeals to Hindus to refrain from celebrating Christmas in any manner.

When Gupta was asked whether his appeal might foster religious polarisation and social exclusion, he replied: “Those who arrive here with the intent to convert should reflect on this. I assert that the church ought to publicly announce that they will refrain from any conversion activities within India. After that, they can do whatever they wish; what is the issue? There is no crisis. However, if you come here and openly conduct healing services, engage in conversion activities, and deceive innocent individuals to convert them – then do we not have the right to defend our society?”

Healing services are Christian prayer gatherings, which Hindutva organisations often oppose.

As per the 2011 census, there are roughly 27.8 million Christians in India, constituting about 2.3% of the overall population. In Delhi specifically, the Christian population exceeds........

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