New Delhi: Rigid religious beliefs can throw up strange conclusions. Take, for example, the controversy over Ramayana Express which erupted on Monday.
Ramayana Yatra train service, which was launched earlier this month to promote religious tourism in the country, had men in saffron-coloured uniform with rudraksha on their neck serving food to passengers.
Seers from Ujjain have taken exception to the dress code and threatened to stop the Ramayana Express if waiters continue to wear the saffron uniform while serving in the train. They are of the opinion that it is an insult to the Hindu religion.
Also Read: First Ramayana Yatra Train Starts Today: Check Details, More Trains In Coming Days
Ujjain Akhada Parishad’s former general secretary Avdeshpuri has written to Union Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressing their disapproval of the waiters’ dress code and stating that the seers will stop the train in Delhi on December 12 if the uniform is not withdrawn.
“We have written a letter two days back to the railways minister lodging our protest against waiters serving refreshments and food in the Ramayana Express in saffron. Donning saffron attire with a sadhu-like headgear and wearing malas (necklaces) of rudraksha is an insult to the Hindu religion and its seers,” Avdeshpuri was quoted as saying by PTI.
He elaborated that the seers will sit on railway tracks and block the train at Delhi’s Safdarjung station if their demands are not met.
The Ramayana circuit takes devotees to 15 destinations, all associated with the life of Lord Ram. The special train covers a distance of over 7,500 km in 17 days.
