Manisha Rani Gets Troll for Her Chhath Puja Avatar: Know Why Fans Are Upset
Manisha Rani, a popular Bhojpuri actress and dancer, is known for her lively and bubbly personality. Her role in Bigg Boss OTT Season 2 won her a huge fan base, who admire her fun-loving and cheerful nature. With over a million followers on social media, she has often shared glimpses of her life with fans, bringing joy and entertainment. However, this time, her attempt to celebrate the festival of Chhath Puja has left her audience divided.
Recently, Manisha Rani posted pictures on her Instagram account dressed in traditional Chhath Puja attire. She wore a red sari, adorned herself with jewelry, applied sindoor (a symbol of marriage worn by Hindu women), and posed with items associated with the Chhath Puja rituals. These pictures, set against the scenic backdrop of a beach, were intended to honor Chhath Maiya, the goddess worshipped during the festival.
Chhath Puja is a significant festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhath Maiya. Traditionally, it is celebrated by married women who pray for the well-being of their families, especially their husbands. These women observe strict rituals, including fasting and offering prayers by the river or any natural water source, usually dressed in traditional attire, with sindoor as a mark of their marital status.
Manisha Rani, who is unmarried, posted images of herself dressed as a Chhath devotee with sindoor, which holds symbolic importance in Hindu culture. Some people felt that her actions were insensitive, as they perceived it to be disrespectful to the tradition and its sanctity. Comments poured in expressing anger, with some urging her to respect the culture and not "mock" religious sentiments.
Fans React Strongly
For many, religious festivals like Chhath Puja are deeply personal and sacred. A section of her followers expressed their disappointment, urging her to understand the significance of these symbols before portraying them publicly.
Comments ranged from gentle reminders of tradition to outright criticism. "Please don’t play with our faith," one user wrote, while another commented, "Respect the rituals if you want to portray them, but understand them first." These responses reflect how important faith and tradition are to many in her audience.
This incident highlights the delicate balance celebrities face in engaging with religious or cultural themes on social media. For many fans, traditions hold deep meaning, and any portrayal that deviates from the norm can feel hurtful. As Manisha Rani has learned, creativity that touches on religious themes must be handled with thoughtfulness and sensitivity.
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Building Trust with Audiences
As a popular public figure, Manisha has a responsibility to connect with her audience respectfully. In times when audiences are more vocal than ever, artists and influencers are encouraged to respect the values and beliefs of their followers, fostering a space of mutual respect and trust.
Manisha Rani has not yet responded to the criticism, but her experience serves as a reminder for influencers to remain mindful of the cultural significance that their portrayals may carry. Whether intended or not, actions can sometimes strike deep emotions, reminding us all of the importance of understanding and honoring traditions.
