Munish Sood
MANDI:
In a bold move to safeguard Himachal Pradesh’s sacred traditions and religious sentiments, the Himachal Dev Sena has issued a stern warning against individuals and groups who mock or insult the state’s age-old Dev culture.
The organisation, which is dedicated to protecting the faith, temple rituals and folk festivals of the region, has vowed to take strict legal action against those spreading offensive content.
Founder Manish Vats spoke strongly against what he called a growing trend of disrespect. “Videos, memes, or events that ridicule our sacred traditions will no longer be tolerated. Creators and organisers on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) who sensationalise or distort our Dev culture must immediately stop their actions,” Vats said.
Social media under scrutiny
Himachal Dev Sena has highlighted the misuse of social media as a major threat to the state’s religious heritage. Over recent years, several video creators have produced content that makes fun of jagars, deity processions and temple rituals. These videos often go viral, spreading misinformation and hurting the sentiments of lakhs of devotees across Himachal.
Vats explained, “Our Dev culture is centuries old. It is deeply rooted in our temples, villages and local communities. It is not just about rituals; it is about the identity and pride of Himachal. Allowing these traditions to be mocked publicly can never be acceptable.”
Legal measures announced
The organisation has made it clear that anyone violating these warnings will face strict legal action under Indian law. The provisions include:
• IPC Section 295A: For acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
• IPC Section 153A: For promoting enmity between communities.
• Information Technology Act: For spreading offensive material online.
Vats added, “We have all evidence secured – screenshots, video links and witnesses. Those responsible will be brought to court through collective complaints and punishment will be ensured. This is not just a warning, but a promise of strict action.”
Himachal Dev Sena has previously intervened in similar cases and successfully lodged complaints against content that hurt religious sentiments. This time, the organisation’s resolve appears stronger than ever. “We have seen a surge in videos and events that distort our culture in a sensational way. This is not just a local issue, but affects the entire state and millions of devotees. We are ready to act decisively,” Vats said.
The organisation has called on the general public to play an active role in protecting Himachal’s cultural heritage. Vats urged citizens to report offensive content immediately. “If you see any video or event that insults our faith, contact us. We will take collective action to protect our traditions,” he said. The public can reach out through the organisation’s official channels or local offices.
By issuing this stern warning, the Sena is sending a message that the protection of faith and culture is not optional. The organisation aims to ensure that respect for Himachal’s Dev culture is maintained, both online and offline. Many believe this action could provide a fresh impetus for safeguarding the spiritual and cultural identity of the state.
