BJP leader Nitesh Rane
Credit: PTI Photo
Mumbai: In a significant development, Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane has drafted a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting for celebrations of Varaha Jayanti in a grand manner.
BJP leader Rane urged Fadnavis to declare August 25 as the Varaha Jayanti festival day.
Varaha (boar or wild boar) is generally listed as third incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This occasion celebrates the birth of this avatar.
Rane, an MLA from Sindhudurg district and son of former Chief Minister and BJP MP Narayan Rane, urged the Hindu community to celebrate the festival with religious fervour. Rane appealed to Hindus to organise 'Varaha Jayanti' celebrations in every village in Maharashtra.
According to him, a formal declaration of Varaha festival will pave the way for holding special rituals in temples and lectures in schools and colleges.
"We consider Varaha as an avatar of Lord Vishnu. On August 25, we are celebrating his birth anniversary. This occasion should be highlighted on a larger scale so that the next generation learns about its importance," Rane told reporters.
The BJP legislator said he would personally attend the celebrations in Navi Mumbai.
Rane cautioned if anyone opposed the festivities, the Hindu community would give a strong response. "We do not look at others' festivals with prejudice, but we will not tolerate any objections raised against our festivals," he said.