Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized what he described as “selective outrage” against Hindu festivals, saying that certain sections of society target Hindu traditions while remaining silent about celebrations of other faiths. Speaking at a public event in Guwahati on Sunday, Sarma said that such one-sided criticism reflects a growing intolerance towards India’s cultural diversity and traditional practices.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came amid ongoing debates on environmental concerns and noise restrictions during festive seasons. Without naming anyone, he said that some activists and intellectuals raise objections only when Hindu festivals like Diwali, Durga Puja, or Holi are celebrated but do not question similar practices elsewhere.
“Everyone is targeting only Hindu festivals,” Sarma stated firmly. “It has become fashionable for certain groups to criticize Hindu celebrations in the name of animal rights, pollution, or secularism. This selective targeting must stop because our festivals represent centuries of tradition and community spirit.”
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Sarma questions selective activism
Himanta Biswa Sarma on Hindu festivals drew national attention as he questioned the silence of the same activists during non-Hindu festivities. He said people should either support all cultural observances equally or stop discriminating against Hindu traditions. “When firecrackers are used in weddings or concerts, nobody speaks. But during Diwali, suddenly everyone becomes an environmental expert. Why this hypocrisy?” he asked.
He added that these repeated criticisms hurt the sentiments of millions who follow age-old customs with devotion and respect. “No one should dictate how Hindus celebrate. As long as we follow the law and maintain public order, there should be no interference,” Sarma said.
The Chief Minister’s comments were met with loud applause from the audience, many of whom echoed his views on what they called “cultural bias.”
Government stands for equal respect of all faiths
Reiterating his government’s stand, Sarma said that Assam remains committed to preserving its pluralistic identity and respecting every community’s cultural rights. He emphasized that his administration would never impose restrictions on traditional festivals unless there were serious law-and-order concerns.
“Our constitution gives every citizen the right to practice and celebrate their religion,” he explained. “We want equal respect for all faiths. But selective criticism aimed only at Hindu festivals is divisive and unjust.”
The Chief Minister mentioned that the Assam government had already implemented eco-friendly measures during major celebrations, including promoting green crackers and sustainable idol immersion practices. “We have shown that devotion and responsibility can coexist,” he added.
Opposition parties react to Sarma’s remarks
Sarma’s comments on Hindu festivals sparked a political debate across Assam and beyond. The Congress party accused the Chief Minister of using religion to divert attention from governance issues. A party spokesperson said that environmental campaigns against pollution are not targeted at any particular faith but aim to protect public health.
“The Chief Minister should understand that environmental concerns are universal,” the spokesperson said. “We urge him not to communalize this issue. Festivals of all religions, including Hindu festivals, can be celebrated responsibly.”
However, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam supported Sarma’s statement, saying he spoke the truth about growing bias in public discourse. “Our Chief Minister simply pointed out the double standards of so-called liberals who attack Hindu customs but stay silent on others,” a BJP MLA commented.
Public response and social media debate
Following the Chief Minister’s speech, the hashtag #HimantaBiswaSarma trended on social media platforms. Many users expressed agreement with his remarks, saying Hindu festivals are often unfairly blamed for pollution or noise while similar scrutiny is absent elsewhere. Some posted videos showing celebrations of other communities that also involve fireworks and loud music, arguing that criticism should be consistent.
On the other hand, a few social activists and environmental groups countered Sarma’s claims. They said awareness campaigns during Diwali or Holi focus on minimizing pollution and are not religiously motivated. “The issue is not about faith but about sustainability,” one activist said. “Our aim is to make festivals safer for everyone, not to target a religion.”
Despite differing opinions, the topic has reignited a larger discussion on how India balances cultural freedom with environmental responsibility.
Cultural experts support balanced approach
Cultural scholars and sociologists weighed in on Himanta Biswa Sarma on Hindu festivals, calling his statement a reflection of growing sensitivity around religious identity. They said that while environmental concerns are valid, framing them selectively can alienate communities and deepen mistrust.
Dr. R. Deka, a cultural historian from Gauhati University, explained that Hindu festivals often involve large community gatherings and vibrant displays, making them more visible and therefore more scrutinized. “The criticism becomes problematic when it appears biased,” he said. “What the Chief Minister highlighted is the need for fairness. Awareness should be applied uniformly across all religions.”
He added that constructive dialogue between governments, communities, and activists could help find solutions that preserve both cultural traditions and ecological balance.
Sarma’s message on cultural confidence
Concluding his address, Himanta Biswa Sarma urged citizens to take pride in their traditions without feeling guilty about celebrating them. He said that Indian festivals embody joy, family bonding, and gratitude—values that transcend religion. “Let us celebrate responsibly but confidently,” he said. “Our culture teaches balance, not guilt.”
The Chief Minister also called upon youth organizations and local committees to lead by example in promoting cleanliness and reducing waste during festivals. “Our traditions will survive only if we nurture them with responsibility,” he added.
Outlook
The remarks by Himanta Biswa Sarma on Hindu festivals underline a growing debate in India’s socio-political space—whether activism and regulation are being applied evenly across communities. As calls for environmental consciousness rise, leaders like Sarma insist that cultural identity and ecological awareness must go hand in hand.
For now, the Chief Minister’s message has struck a chord among those who feel Hindu festivals are being unfairly singled out. Yet, it also challenges policymakers and activists to ensure that all religious observances are treated with equal respect in a pluralistic society.