Female bodybuilders in event near Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple sparks row, cow dung water sprinkled

A controversy has arisen over the hosting of the East India Bodybuilding Championship at the Bhajan Mandap near the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. 

As per reports, the Purana Bhubaneswar Nagarik Mancha (Old Bhubaneswar Citizens’ Forum) has objected to the use of the spiritually significant venue for a bodybuilding competition with participation of women.

Members of the forum described the women’s bodybuilding event as 'cultural degradation' at a sacred place and staged a protest after the championship concluded. They reportedly sprinkled cow dung-mixed water at the Bhajan Mandap, claiming the sanctity of the space had been compromised by the event.

As per reports, the bodybuilding championship was held over three days and drew hundreds of male and female bodybuilders from Odisha and 12 other eastern Indian states. The participation of women competitors, particularly their competition attire, became the main point of objection for the forum, which argued that such events hurt Odia sentiments and showed disrespect towards Lord Lingaraj.

"The participation of young women in the bodybuilding competition, particularly in short competition attire, is not acceptable to us. Such events are organised and conducted by men, and we strongly believe that women should not be made part of such displays at a sacred place. To restore the sanctity of the venue, we sprinkled cow dung-mixed water, as we believe the holiness of the place had been compromised. The Bhajan Mandap of Lord Lingaraj is a spiritually significant space meant for bhajans and religious activities. Organising a women’s bodybuilding competition at this venue is inappropriate and should not be allowed in the future," said Chhabi Swain, a member of Purana Bhubaneswar Nagarik Mancha.

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"This kind of programme should not be held at this venue, as it does not align with our culture. The mandap is meant for bhajans and other spiritual activities. Such programmes should not be organised here in the future," said Shiba Prasad Behera, Corporator for Ward No. 54.

In response, women bodybuilders and sportspersons strongly condemned the protest and the act of sprinkling cow dung water. They asserted that bodybuilding is a recognised international sport with a prescribed dress code. They further stated that branding it as uncultured or vulgar reflects a regressive mindset. They also emphasised their right to participate in professional sports with dignity.

"Women’s bodybuilding is a nationally and internationally recognised sport, just like any other discipline. There is nothing inappropriate or objectionable about it that would justify sprinkling cow dung-mixed water. Such an act is deeply disrespectful," said woman bodybuilder Anupama Swain.

"Those who are ignorant about the game can only act like this. The women who are participating in swimming are also wearing swimsuits. It's a national and international-level sport, and we have a dress code for it. The women bodybuilders have participated in this championship by following the proper dress code," said Sumitra Tripathy, President of Odisha Bodybuilding Association.

The incident has triggered a broader debate on the appropriateness of hosting non-religious events at religious sites and on societal attitudes towards women’s participation in competitive sports.

Despite the controversy, the championship, organised by the Baulagada Club, proved successful for several Odia athletes. Amit Bhuyan, Jagannath Khuntia, Rashmi Ranjan Das and Soumya Ranjan Mishra secured top positions in various categories.