Gramsabha passes resolution to ban Muslim traders at Kanifnath Maharaj’s pilgrimage

• Pilgrimage at Madhi, Ahilyanagar

• Traders coming to Madhi do not follow tradition and indulge in gambling and betting

Ahilyanagar (Maharashtra)– The pilgrimage of Kanifnath Maharaj in Madhi, one of the Navnaths, takes place from Holi to Gudhipadwa, usually around March. A Gramsabha was held regarding this pilgrimage. There had been letters from various villages requesting a ban on Muslim traders at the Madhi pilgrimage. Taking note of these letters, the Sarpanch and the President of the Devasthan Committee, Sanjay Markad, presented this issue before the Gramsabha. It was pointed out that the traders coming to Madhi do not follow tradition and indulge in gambling and betting, which hurts Hindu sentiments. It was noted that during the Maha Kumbha Mela in Prayagraj, some places had imposed a ban on Muslim traders. Many had requested that a similar ban be imposed on Muslim traders at the Madhi pilgrimage. Accordingly, the Gramsabha passed a resolution to impose a ban on Muslim traders during the Madhi pilgrimage, Sarpanch Markad said.

According to traditional customs, oil is applied to the Deity a month in advance. This period is considered a time of mourning by the villagers of Madhi. During this time, the villagers completely stop activities such as frying, weddings, farming, and travel, and do not use beds or mattresses at home. For a month, all family activities are put on hold, and the villagers dedicate themselves to serving the Nath.

Key Points from the letter by devotees :

1. A person who does not apply kumkum on their forehead sells kumkum to Hindus, which is unfortunate for the Hindu Dharma.

2. Muslim community members have been known to contaminate food items and offerings in various ways, which hurts Hindu sentiments.

Editorial Perspectives

• What connection do those who hate Hindus and idol worship have with doing business during Hindu pilgrimages ? Therefore, the resolution passed by the Madhi Gramsabha is praiseworthy, and the entire Hindu community should support it !

• Looking at the various conspiracies like Land Jihad, Love Jihad, Spit Jihad, and the Waqf Board’s land-grabbing campaigns that threaten the nation, shouldn’t an economic boycott against religious fanatics be the right response ?