Newspaper called for fewer bonfires before Hindu festival, not for Muslims to 'slaughter fewer goats'

The doctored image was posted on Facebook here on March 14, 2023.

It appears to show a Hindi-language appeal published in a local newspaper -- Dainik Jagran -- that reads: "One neighbourhood, One goat."

"If possible, sacrifice only one goat on this Bakra Eid. It will bring people closer together and there will be less bloodshed. It will also prevent wastage of water and will reduce waste."

Bakra Eid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is a prominent Muslim festival during which families will sacrifice an animal, such as a goat, and then share it with neighbours and the poor.

The newspaper's logo appears in the top-right corner of the image, while the words "Dainik Jagran's Initiative" can be seen at the bottom.

The post's Hindi-language caption appears to mock the supposed appeal by calling on readers to buy fewer copies of Dainik Jagran.

"One neighbourhood, One Dainik Jagran. Only one copy of Dainik Jagran should be purchased for a neighbourhood," it says.

"This would ensure less paper is used, which in turn will make sure that fewer trees will be cut down. The hawker will not be forced to cycle to each individual house to deliver the newspaper and people coming together to read the news will ensure unity and less wastage."

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Screenshot of the altered image in the false post, captured on March 22, 2023

The purported newspaper appeal was also shared on Facebook here and here; and on Twitter here, where it was retweeted more than 1,400 times.

The image, however, has been altered from Dainik Jagran's genuine appeal for people to not light as many bonfires ahead of Holi, a Hindu festival.

Bonfire appeal

Dainik Jagran's editor in their Lucknow bureau, in Uttar Pradesh state, told AFP the purported appeal calling on fewer goats to be slaughtered during Bakra Eid was "fake".

"We tried to inspire people to reduce the burning of wood but someone edited it and spread a fake poster. Dainik Jagran has not published such an appeal," he said on March 15.

According to the Hindustan Times, families and neighbours will traditionally light a bonfire to "symbolise the victory of good over evil" and the burning of Holika represents "the triumph of devotion over wickedness".

But this burning of hundreds of open fires has also added to air pollution.

Dainik Jagran's genuine appeal was published in its Moradabad edition in Uttar Pradesh state on March 4.

Below is a screenshot comparison of the doctored image shared in false posts (left) and the newspaper's genuine appeal (right), with matching elements highlighted by AFP:

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Screenshot comparison of the doctored image shared in false posts (left) and the newspaper's genuine appeal (right)

The Hindi-language text on the newspaper's appeal reads: "This Holi, try not to burn multiple Holikas within small distances. Instead, try to burn a single Holika in every neighbourhood. This will reduce pollution and increase togetherness."

It also appeals to people to not obstruct traffic, avoid burning Holikas under electrical lines and avoid burning materials that would lead to air pollution.

Dainik Jagran published an article on the success of their campaign here on March 8.

Boycott calls

The paper's appeal, however, sparked anger among some in the Hindu community, with several Twitter users calling for a boycott.

"Who handed over this anti-Hindu campaign to Dainik Jagran? Let's write it together #BoycottJagranNews", wrote one user while sharing an image of the newspaper's appeal.

Other social media users also shared a photo of the newspaper's appeal elsewhere on Twitter here, here and here, with one suggesting the newspaper run a "One neighbourhood, One goat" appeal.

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