Do not permit non-Hindus to set up stalls at the Kumbh Mela : Akhada Parishad

Mahant Ravindra Puri, head of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) – Non-Hindu vendors should not be permitted to set up stalls selling tea, fruit juice, or flowers at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. They engage in unhygienic practices like spitting and urinating at such venues. If permission is granted to them, Naga Sadhus will be compelled to take strict action against them, warned Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri. The Mahakumbh is set to commence on 13th January in Prayagraj. Mahant Ravindra Puri had previously demanded a ban on Muslim vendors at the Kumbh Mela.

1. Mahant Puri further stated that if any incident occurs that hurts the sentiments of devotees, it could send a negative message globally. The Kumbh Mela should remain beautiful, clean, grand, and peaceful. To maintain its sanctity and security, non-Hindus must be kept away from it.

2. Mahant Puri also commented on the temple-mosque dispute at Sambhal, asserting that this is not limited to Sambhal. Across India, wherever there is a mosque today, there was originally a temple.

3. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad had earlier decided to rename the terms “Shahi Snan” and “Peshwai” to “Rajasi Snan” and “Chhavani Pravesh,” respectively.

4. Elaborating on the change, Mahant Puri remarked that “Shahi” is an Urdu word. However, the Parishad holds no aversion to Urdu as a language. Urdu and Hindi share a close connection, but when it comes to religion, tradition, or culture, the emphasis should be on using words from Sanskrit or Hindi, as they are more appropriate.

Editorial Perspective

The demand made by the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad may invite criticism from pseudo seculars, but it should not come as a surprise. Since the Mahakumbh is a Hindu religious festival, Hindus must have the last word on the arrangements there. The administration must take this demand seriously.