Religion and State Are a Highly effective Combine for India’s Modi

In India, the third week of January has at all times been a time for nationalist pageantry. It options two nationwide holidays: the birthday of the Bengali revolutionary Subhash Chandra Bose, and the anniversary of the adoption of India’s liberal structure in 1950. On the latter, Republic Day, parades throughout the nation showcase not simply tanks, missiles, bagpipes, and flags, but additionally people dances and cultural achievements — all of the issues that contribute to this nation’s famously energetic public life.

This 12 months, nevertheless, all this republican custom shall be overshadowed by a ceremony each older and newer: Monday’s inauguration, or maybe re-consecration, of a temple to the Hindu god-king Ram in Ayodhya.