Washington, Sep 8: A city located in the state of Kentucky in the United States of America has formally designated 3rd September as ‘Sanatan Dharma Diwas’. The announcement comes amid controversy in India, where a Tamil Nadu minister has called for it to be scrapped. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg recently attended a re-consecration ceremony at a Hindu temple in Kentucky. During the ceremony, his deputy, Barbara Sexton Smith, read the official proclamation designating 3 September as ‘Sanatana Dharma Day’.
Expressing his sentiments, Mayor Greenberg wrote on social media, “I had the privilege of participating in the Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremony at a Hindu temple. Rituals performed for temple renewal and restoration have significant cultural significance. Our office has officially September approved. ‘Sanatan Dharma Divas’. The event saw the presence of several spiritual leaders and dignitaries, including Chidananda Saraswati, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Bhagwati Saraswati, president of Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, as well as Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman and Deputy Chief of Staff Keisha Dorsey, among others.
Expressing his views, Swami Chidananda Saraswati said, “The re-consecration of Kentucky’s Hindu temple, known as the Mahakumbh Abhishekam, will be further deepened and meaningful by the mayor’s declaration of Sanatan Dharma Day on September 3, 2023.” has been made.” Louisville’s! It marks a wonderful new chapter in the rich tapestry of Indian culture.”
Addressing the ongoing Sanatana Dharma controversy in India, the US-based Hindu American Foundation congratulated Louisville, saying, “This timely recognition serves as an appropriate response. Congratulations to #Louisville!” In a previous nod, former Louisville mayor Greg Fischer declared July 20 as ‘Encyclopedia of Hinduism’ day in Kentucky.
In a separate development, during an event in Tamil Nadu last week, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin had made controversial remarks saying that “Sanatana Dharma has to be eradicated like mosquitoes, malaria, dengue and corona”. These comments sparked outrage among various political parties.Responding to the inflammatory remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need for an appropriate response. Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. are the sons of Stalin has refused to apologize and has repeatedly expressed his readiness to face any legal consequences for his statements.