As the fasting season of Ramzan began, several screenshots of news articles from the past started surfacing on social media. These screenshots contrasted the narratives of news media when it came to presenting Ramzan and Karwa Chauth. Let’s take a look at the many instances of such blatant hypocrisy and negative narrative setting by media especially when denouncing Hindu fasts/rituals while glorifying those of Muslim festivals.
The Hindu
The Hindu had come up with articles promoting the positive effects of fasting during Ramzan, especially for diabetics.
However, the same publication called fasting “tricky” for diabetics when done during Karwa Chauth!
Hindustan Times
Hindustan Times is known for amplifying anti-Hindu voices as we have been seeing for quite some time. Take the case of Naomi Barton, leftist journo who had problems with Deepavali fireworks or purchasing non-veg during Shivaratri, it was all reported by Hindustan Times. So will they be far behind when it comes to Karwa Chauth and Ramzan? Here are some samples – Fasting during Karwa Chauth could lead to hormonal disruptions so they give tips to women to “avoid” it.
But for Ramzan, the tables turn. Intermittent fasting is beneficial especially when done Ramzan style!
Indian Express
Even Indian Express had indulged in fear mongering during Karwa Chauth – they said that women fasting during the festival would face hormonal issues. Here’s what they wrote.
And as if Ramzan fast is observed by men alone, the problem of hormonal imbalance or other hormone related problems vanish for Indian Express. Fasting during Ramzan becomes beneficial and helps to lose weight, reduce blood sugar, and cholesterol. Oh what a miracle!
Free Press Journal
The Free Press Journal shares images of a Malay family fasting and comes up with several slides proving Ramzan fasting is a great thing, a very beneficial thing to do.
However, fasting during Karwa Chauth is all about breaking stereotypes, encouraging men to fast and all the feminist trope one can come up with!
Times of India
Similar to The Free Press Journal, for Times of India, Karwa Chawth is all about gender equality, breaking norms, conservativeness etc.
But fasting during Ramzan is all about stress management, great stress reducer!
India TV News
For India TV News, Karwa Chauth fasting is a matter of fun, joke and mockery.
But when it comes to Ramzan, they turn all serious and push the “health benefits” narrative.
Even health-related websites followed the same pattern. Here are a couple of examples.
The Health Site
Fear mongering about Karwa Chauth and periods is a given for even health websites when it comes to the Hindu festival.
But on the other hand, you can beat acidity during fasting with their tips!
Her Zindagi
This website Her Zindagi.com seems to be a woman-oriented website and talks about revolution and breaking gender stereotypes, tradition, etc.
But Ramzan fasting is good for health! There need not be any rebellious streak attached to Ramzan fasting because – good for health yo!
The contrasting narratives presented by mainstream media outlets regarding Ramzan and Karwa Chauth fasting reveal a troubling pattern of bias and hypocrisy. While Ramzan fasting is often glorified for its health benefits, spiritual significance, and communal harmony, Karwa Chauth is frequently subjected to skepticism, fear-mongering, and feminist critiques. This double standard not only undermines the cultural and religious practices of Hindus but also highlights the media’s tendency to cater to specific agendas. Such selective reporting fosters division and perpetuates stereotypes, rather than promoting understanding and respect for diverse traditions.
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