As the nation comes together to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with devotion and grandeur, a viral video has stirred controversy amidst the festivities.
In the clip, a young woman can be seen raising objections to a particular line in the traditional Ganesh Aarti, specifically criticising the use of the word ‘putr’ (son/child). Let’s find out what happened next.
Young woman’s Aarti objection ignites debate | Credit: X | @mishmanaged_
Faith vs Feminism: Young woman’s Aarti objection ignites debate on tradition and gender
The remarks made by the woman in the viral video have ignited a storm of online debate, with many questioning whether religious texts should remain untouched or be reinterpreted through a modern lens.
Sharing a post about the same, an X (formerly called Twitter) user explained, “In Ganesh Aarti, there is a line… ‘बांझन को पुत्र देत, निर्धन को माया। अँधे को आँख देत, कोढ़िन को काया।” It means give a child to a childless woman, give money to the poor, give eyes to the blind and give a healthy body to a leper. Now, this dumfook feminist girl is standing there protesting against the words of this Aarti. The worst part is that no one is saying anything to her. What’s the point of being so tolerant?”
On the other hand, noticing the video, some netizens praise her stance as progressive and thought-provoking; others view it as distrustful of faith and tradition, reigniting the ongoing clash between devotion and evolving societal values.
Feminist critique of Aarti sparks backlash and heated debate
As soon as the video surfaced on social media, supporters applauded her courage for questioning language that they feel excludes those who cannot or choose not to have children. Many see this as a necessary step toward making religious practices more inclusive and relevant. While others slammed her, calling her a pseudo-feminist.
On X, one user sparked controversy by sarcastically commenting, “Feminists have found fault even in Aarti ,” highlighting the divide between traditionalists and those pushing for change.
This remark fuelled heated discussions, with supporters defending the woman’s feminist perspective while critics accused her of disrespecting sacred rituals.
Netizens flood social media with mixed reactions | Credit: X | @mishmanaged_
Netizens flood social media with mixed reactions
As the video went viral, netizens quickly shared their reactions; some said, “She is there for attention, and she is getting that.”
“She is not protesting for anything, you dumb, she is just conveying her thoughts at the right place and at the right moment, that’s it.
She is also Hindu; please learn to listen to others too, as you call yourself a Hindu. राम राम ,” another added.
While one came in support of her, “I understand her point, but leave Hindu Gods and pious prayers alone. Hinduism isn’t oppressing any lady to exclusively have a son anyway. Don’t steal the zeal out of our culture and festivals. Both are very lively & pure.”
Feminist critique of Aarti sparks backlash and heated debate | Credit: X | @mishmanaged_
“Publicity stunt nothing more.” “and don’t even try to call Hinduism a patriarchal religion/philosophy as the importance given to men and women are the same. Go fight your feminist battles against those abrahamic religions which are openly misogynistic,” one pointed out.
“But isn’t it ironic that men represent the entire species of homo-sapiens? I do not support selective non liberal feminists. But this isn’t limited to just a single faith, even the bible mentions ‘all men’s representing both man & woman. That’s loony too.”