Secularism or One-Sided Selectivity? A Closer Look at Media’s Approach to Hindu Festivals

Introduction: Secularism as India’s Constitutional Promise

Secularism, as embedded in the Constitution of India, enshrines the state’s commitment to treat all religions with equal respect and fairness. Articles like Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 15 (prohibiting discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth), and Article 25 (freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion) aim to protect religious diversity. Yet, in the media and public discourse, there appears to be a pattern of selective secularism, where some religious festivals are celebrated while others are critiqued or scrutinized. This article examines this trend, especially in the context of Hindu festivals like Karwa Chauth and Diwali, and analyzes how selective secularism poses a risk to India’s secular ideals.

Selective Secularism: How Media Coverage Varies by Religion

In recent years, Indian media has displayed differing narratives around religious festivals. For example, during Ramzan, fasting is often celebrated as a practice that brings spiritual and physical benefits. Numerous media articles highlight the benefits of intermittent fasting, focusing on improved health and discipline, portraying the act as admirable and praiseworthy. However, similar Hindu fasting traditions, like Karwa Chauth, are frequently depicted as outdated or even harmful. Media often emphasize health risks associated with fasting on Karwa Chauth, such as dehydration and fatigue, presenting the tradition in a skeptical or negative light.

This disparity in coverage creates a biased hierarchy in public perception, suggesting that some religious practices are superior or more "acceptable" than others. It subtly undermines the secular principle of equal respect for all faiths and opens the door for divisions based on perceived legitimacy or value of different religious customs.

Analyzing the Media's Approach to Hindu Festivals

(a) Karwa Chauth: Fasting or Folklore?

During Karwa Chauth, married Hindu women observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise for the health and longevity of their husbands. Media coverage, however, often shifts to discussing health risks or framing the practice as regressive. While concern for health is important, selective emphasis on health risks only for certain festivals creates a skewed portrayal that undermines the festival's emotional and cultural significance. This unbalanced scrutiny, when not applied to similar traditions in other faiths, reflects selective secularism.

(b) Diwali and Environmental Criticism

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated with joy and grandeur. However, in recent years, the media narrative around Diwali has increasingly focused on environmental issues, particularly the pollution caused by firecrackers. While addressing pollution is essential, the emphasis is often disproportionately high during Diwali, despite fireworks being used in other celebrations across the country, such as New Year’s Eve. This selective criticism can lead to the perception that Hindu traditions are more damaging to the environment, subtly suggesting an inherent conflict between Hindu festivals and environmental values.

A secular media would maintain consistent scrutiny of environmental impact across all festivals and events. Instead, the selective attention during Diwali seems biased, promoting a view that Hindu celebrations are uniquely problematic.

(c) The Constitutional Framework: Secularism as Equality, Not Selective Morality

The Constitution of India guarantees secularism through various articles. Article 14 provides equality before the law, while Article 25 ensures freedom of religion. These articles support a secular approach where all religions are treated fairly and equally, without one being viewed as "better" or more modern than another. When media or public figures selectively criticize Hindu festivals, it creates an unbalanced portrayal that violates the spirit of these constitutional provisions, promoting one-sided secularism rather than the secularism of equality envisioned by India’s founders.

The Impact of Selective Secularism on Social Harmony

(a) Undermining Community Trust

Selective secularism in media can erode trust within communities, creating an “us versus them” mentality. By consistently criticizing certain festivals, such as Karwa Chauth or Diwali, while celebrating others, media narratives can foster feelings of marginalization within Hindu communities. This selective treatment can ultimately weaken social cohesion and increase polarization, as people perceive their customs and traditions as undervalued or misunderstood.

(b) Reinforcing Stereotypes and Misunderstandings

When media highlights the benefits of one religious practice while criticizing another, it unintentionally reinforces stereotypes. For example, by portraying Hindu fasting or festival traditions as regressive or harmful, selective secularism may lead to a skewed perception of Hinduism as a whole, suggesting it is incompatible with modern values or health standards. Such narratives ignore the diversity within Hinduism and other faiths, undermining mutual respect and understanding.

Steps Towards Fair and Balanced Secularism

(a) Equal Coverage Across Festivals

Balanced reporting means holding consistent standards for all religious festivals. If health risks are highlighted during Karwa Chauth, similar attention should be given to fasting practices during other religious observances. Similarly, environmental concerns during Diwali should also be raised for other events that involve fireworks. A truly secular media would offer a consistent standard, fostering fairness and mutual respect.

(b) Promoting Cultural Understanding and Respect

The media can play a positive role by providing deeper insights into the cultural and emotional significance of each festival. For many, Diwali is not just about firecrackers, and Karwa Chauth is not solely about fasting; these festivals hold immense cultural and familial value. By respecting these aspects and presenting them to readers, the media can promote cross-cultural understanding rather than judgment.

(c) Encouraging Constructive Dialogue

Secularism in India relies on constructive dialogue between communities. Instead of amplifying biases or disparities, the media can encourage respectful conversations around each festival. Articles that highlight shared values, like family, devotion, and togetherness, across religious traditions can help bridge understanding rather than deepen divisions.

Conclusion: Moving Towards Genuine Secularism in Media Narratives

Selective secularism, particularly during Hindu festivals, presents a challenge to India’s foundational values of equality and respect for all faiths. The Constitution of India envisions a secular society where every religion is equally valued, where communities can celebrate their customs without fear of judgment or misrepresentation. To uphold this vision, the media must practice genuine secularism, presenting a balanced perspective that respects the diversity and cultural significance of all festivals. Only by addressing this selective treatment can we preserve India’s unity in diversity and ensure that secularism remains a source of strength, not division, in our nation.