Vasai Cemetery Protest took a spine-chilling turn when local residents, dressed as ghosts, gathered outside the Ward Committee office of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) in a symbolic protest. Their eerie appearance was aimed at raising awareness about an act they deemed deeply disrespectful — the installation of playground and gym equipment inside a functioning Hindu cemetery in Benapatti, Vasai.
🕯️ Locals Dress as Ghosts to Oppose Insensitive Civic Move
In what might be one of Vasai’s most dramatic public demonstrations in recent memory, dozens of men and women wrapped themselves in white sheets with spooky face paint. Their message? Loud and clear — “Don’t turn our resting places into playgrounds.”
The protestors silently marched to the VVMC office, where they offered flowers to municipal officers. This ironic gesture symbolized their ‘gratitude’ for transforming the final resting place of their ancestors into a fitness and play zone — a move they felt mocked local traditions and religious beliefs.
🛝 Why Gym Equipment in a Cemetery Outraged Vasai Residents
At the heart of the Vasai cemetery protest was the shocking placement of swings, monkey bars, and other fitness gear on sacred land. Videos and photos of the site quickly made rounds on social media, drawing sharp criticism not just from Vasai locals but from netizens across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Residents questioned the logic and cultural insensitivity of setting up recreational infrastructure in a burial ground. “Was there no other space?” many asked, pointing out that a nearby open field could have easily been utilized for the purpose.
One resident remarked, “Installing gym equipment inside a cemetery is not just disrespectful — it’s absurd. It hurts our sentiments and our sense of history.”
🎥 Social Media Played a Role in Exposing the Issue
Social platforms acted as the first alert system. The now-viral images of vibrant red and yellow swings inside the Benapatti Hindu cemetery became the subject of intense public discourse. Civic authorities were forced to respond as outrage snowballed.
The visual contradiction — bright play equipment amidst graves — stirred the emotions of many in Vasai and highlighted how disconnected certain civic planning decisions can be from community values.
🛠️ VVMC Responds, Removes Equipment Before Protest
Facing backlash, the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation moved quickly. Days before the ghost-themed protest, the municipal body removed all playground and gym installations from the cemetery.
While the action was taken, residents still went ahead with their planned protest. Their goal was not only to express disapproval but also to demand accountability and long-term sensitivity from civic officials. Protestors emphasized that their actions were peaceful, yet impactful — a reminder that religious spaces must be preserved with dignity.
🙏 What Happens Next?
The Vasai cemetery protest stands as a powerful example of how local communities can mobilize to protect their cultural and religious values. While the immediate issue has been resolved with the removal of the equipment, residents are urging the VVMC to establish better checks and consultations before executing such projects.
This incident also highlights the need for better civic engagement and transparent decision-making in urban development, especially in culturally sensitive areas like cemeteries.
