Brahmins Stage Show of Strength in Belagavi with ‘Save the Janivara’ Slogan
Belagavi
In response to a recent incident involving the removal of the Janivara (sacred thread), the Brahmin community held a show of strength in the border city of Belagavi on Monday. Protesters demanded not only suspension of those involved but also criminal cases against individuals who allegedly cut the sacred thread.
The protest was led by Belagavi South MLA Abhay Patil and Brahmin community leader Anil Pothdar. Gathering at Kittur Channamma Circle, members of the Brahmin community expressed outrage over what they described as a desecration of a religious symbol.
Protesters warned that if such acts continue, the Brahmin community may be forced to invoke the spirit of Parashurama, the warrior sage. Some even declared that if anyone touches the Janivara again, they would be compelled to take up swords in defense.
Holding the Janivara—a symbol of both religious purity and cultural identity—protesters carried placards reading, “Save the Janivara, Preserve Brahmin Culture.” One demonstrator rolled on the street in protest, while others formed a human chain. Chanting slogans against what they called an “anti-Hindu government,” they expressed their anger and frustration.
The demonstrators marched from Channamma Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where they submitted a memorandum demanding immediate action against those responsible for removing the sacred thread.
During the protest, MLA Abhay Patil strongly criticized the state government. “Every student has the right to follow their religious customs. They didn’t just remove the Janivara—they cut it. How dare they? Would it be acceptable if we cut their hands in return?” he asked angrily.
“I condemn this incident. If this had happened to any other community, there would have been widespread outrage. But Brahmins are peace-loving. The government must treat this matter seriously and immediately arrest the guilty officials and teachers, and file criminal charges. If not, it will be assumed that the government is complicit. You remember the Hijab issue—why don’t you remember the Janivara?” Patil questioned.
Brahmin leader Anil Pothdar stated, “We are a peaceful community that has always worked for the betterment of the country. Who gave the order to remove the Janivara, and under which law? If another community had faced such humiliation, the entire state would have erupted. We are protesting peacefully. But if there is continued disrespect for the Janivara, next time we will come wielding swords like Parashurama. The spirit of Parashurama lives in us,” he warned.
The protest procession culminated at the DC’s office, where a memorandum was submitted.
Prominent participants included Honidibba Acharya and Sameer Acharya of Krishnamath, Gururaj Acharya, Bharath Deshpande (Vice President of the District Brahmin Society Trust), R.S. Mutalik Desai, Akshay Kulkarni (District representative of AKBMAS), Ashok Deshpande, Anushree Deshpande, and others.
An Insult to Hindu Dharma
“Do not interfere with Brahmin traditions. The Janivara embodies the power of the Gayatri Mantra. It is a symbol of our culture. Those who disrespect it are enemies of Indian tradition. The government must respond immediately. This is an insult to Hindu Dharma.”
— Abhay Patil, MLA, Belagavi South
A Peace-Loving Community
“The Brahmin community is peace-loving and abides by the Constitution. But if our faith continues to be targeted, we will not hesitate to set aside the Janivara and take up swords. The power of Parashurama is still alive.”
— Anil Potdar
