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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made a significant adjustment to the Haryana assembly election schedule, moving the voting date from October 1st to October 5th. This decision was made out of respect for the Bishnoi community's religious traditions, as their Asoj Amavasya festival falls on October 1st. The ECI recognized the importance of this festival to the Bishnoi community and sought to ensure that their voting rights would not be compromised due to their religious observance.
The Bishnoi community, based primarily in Rajasthan, holds the Asoj Amavasya festival in remembrance of their Guru Jambeshwar. The festival is marked by a pilgrimage to Mukam in Rajasthan, where numerous families from Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana gather. As the festival coincided with the original election date, the ECI received representations from the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha, urging them to reschedule the voting day. This representation highlighted the concern that many Bishnoi families would be traveling to Rajasthan for the festival on October 1st, potentially depriving them of their right to vote.
The ECI's decision to reschedule the Haryana election demonstrates its commitment to accommodating the needs and traditions of various communities in the country. This practice is not new, as the ECI has previously adjusted election dates on numerous occasions to ensure that religious and cultural observances are respected. In 2022, the Punjab assembly election was postponed by a week to accommodate devotees traveling to Varanasi for Guru Ravidas Jayanti. Similarly, the EC adjusted the polling dates in Manipur in 2022 to respect the Christian community's Sunday prayers. The 2023 Rajasthan assembly election saw a rescheduling of polling to avoid coinciding with Devuthani Ekadashi, a significant day for mass weddings in the state.
The ECI's sensitivity to cultural and religious practices underscores the importance of inclusivity and respect for diverse communities during electoral processes. By accommodating the Bishnoi community's religious observance, the ECI ensures that all citizens have equal opportunity to exercise their right to vote, regardless of their cultural or religious background.
Source: Haryana Poll Dates Revised From October 1 To 5, Counting Of Votes 3 Days Later