Why Much Ado About Nothing: “Kushiyon Ka Eid” Was Just a Matter of Semantics—Pawan Khera

Stung by the criticism of the BJP over the remark of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, who called Deepawali “khushiyon ka Eid,” the Congress party on Monday came up with the explanation that it was a Semantic statement, as the word Eid literally means festival.

Hitting back at the BJP, Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said, “Those making a big deal out of Kharge ji’s statement are semantically ignorant.”

It may be mentioned here that the word Eid is of Arabic origin and means festival, celebration, or a recurring occasion of joy. It conveys happiness, thanksgiving, and celebration. In Islam, two major festivals are called Eid. Eid-ul-Fitr – The festival marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid-ul-Adha- the festival commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and willingness to sacrifice in obedience to God.

“The word ‘Eid’ literally means ‘festival’. Now go and listen to his statement again. It is perfectly normal — unlike the Sanghi negativity that makes some people incapable of sparing even a festival,” Khera said on X.

“In the spirit of Diwali and for the love of God, please light a bulb or two in your brain as well, and spare the rest of us the public display of your stupidity. Jaahil kahin ke (they are illiterates),” Khera added.

Hence, culturally, using such words for Hindu festivals needs some care, said BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari. The Congress may try to justify the unjustifiable usage of Kharge’s words and say that except them all others are semantically ignorant, as they stand exposed that they are anti-Sanatani, he said.

Why not use semantic words “Diwali of joy” for Eid. Will the Congress dare to that, he asked.

BJP’s national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said in a post on X, “Mr Kharge, what exactly is the problem with calling Diwali, the biggest festival of Hindus, by its own name?”

Bhatia said Eid has its own significance and Diwali has its own sanctity, traditions and identity.

“Has changing the identity of Hindu festivals become a matter of political etiquette in Congress’s so-called secularism? Rahul Gandhi and Kharge, answer this: will you ever have the courage to call Eid the “Diwali of joy,” he asked.

“Respect Hindus’ faith; don’t change the identity of their festivals. Diwali was, Diwali is, and Diwali will remain Diwali,” Bhatia said.