Debate rages after Indian women barred from storming temple's male-only shrine on Republic Day

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On India's Republic Day, hundreds of women activists attempted to enter the Shani Shingnapur Temple situated in the western Indian state of Maharashtra to challenge its 400-year-old tradition of allowing only men to enter its main shrine. Amidst political pressure, the women were stopped and detained by the local police.

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The women's organisation called Bhumata Ranragini Brigade was taking out a march to question the age-old practice of barring the entry of women into temple's main, open-air shrine. Their march sparked off a social media debate, with hashtags such as #RightToWorship and #RightToPray trending through the day. Read more...