Film Promotion at Pashupatinath Temple Aarti Sparks Controversy

Kathmandu. Widespread criticism has started on social media regarding the promotion of a film during the evening aarti at Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a center of faith for Hindus. 

Devotees are expressing dissatisfaction on social media, alleging that the film 'I Am Jitu Bahadur' was promoted during the aarti organized on Monday, Asar 1, the last day of Purushottam month and on the occasion of Aushi. 

The film's main actors Jitu Nepal, Priyanka Karki, Barsha Raut, and others were present at the Pashupatinath Temple for the aarti. Before the aarti began, there was promotion of the film and announcements of names of various donors. The attendance at the daily evening aarti at Pashupatinath was very high on that day. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the film production team promoted their film there. 

However, due to the film promotion and other announcements, the aarti was delayed by approximately 30 to 45 minutes from the scheduled time. This angered the devotees. Some devotees left without watching the aarti, while others stayed on-site and protested. 

'We went for the aarti to gain peace and spiritual energy. But we never imagined our world heritage site would become so commercial. For a long time, donors' names were announced, and then the film was also promoted,' wrote one user on social media. 

The post also questioned actress Barsha Raut, asking why she remained silent when artists could express their views. 

Responding to this, actress Barsha Raut clarified that she had only gone to participate in the aarti and had no prior information about the film promotion happening there. 

However, the debate has not stopped even after Barsha's clarification. Another user raised the question of whether artists are merely 'puppets' of producers and directors, commenting that artists should also have their own opinions and responsibilities. 

Following this incident, a heated debate has started on social media about whether commercial activities and film promotions are permissible at a site of religious and cultural significance like Pashupatinath. One side argues that centers of religious faith should not be used for commercial purposes, while the other side states that artists should not be blamed solely and that organizers and relevant bodies also play an equally important role in such decisions. 

The film, starring and produced by Jitu Nepal, is set to be publicly released on Friday, Asar 5.