March 24, 2019

The rituals, reportedly held at the behest of some staff of the institute, included 4 priests chanting mantras. It came to light after visuals & images began circulating on social media, sparking outrage over the ‘insult to memory of Parrikar.’

Goa’s Minister for Art and Culture has ordered an inquiry into a reported ‘purification ceremony’ held at the Kala Academy, an institute of art and culture where the mortal remains of ex-Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar were kept for the final public homage before his cremation.

The rituals included four priests chanting mantras. It came to light after images began circulating on social media, sparking outrage over the ‘insult to memory of Parrikar.’

“This is a shame & an insult to the CM,” a govt official who declined to be named, said.

Govind Gaude, the Minister for Art and Culture, said he has ordered an inquiry.

“I have taken a strong note of some activities carried out in the Kala Academy premises as rituals today. We cannot promote or patronize unscientific activities inside govt. buildings,” Govind Gaude said when asked about the ceremony.

However, he said he was not aware of the exact nature of the ceremony held.

The staff of the govt-run institute holds religious rituals, usually once a year with prior government permission. In this case, Gaude said, the ritual was held without his permission and knowledge.

“It is not a suddhikaran (cleansing) ritual as is being said, but I don’t know what ritual has been held. On Monday once the inquiry report is in I will have a better idea,” the Minister said.

The mortal remains of one of the most loved Chief Ministers of all time, were kept at the Kala Academy between 10am and 4:00 pm for public homage & several national & state leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage on Monday prior to the cremation.

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