The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), the governing body overseeing all 13 Akharas (religious sects), has suggested prohibiting "non-Sanatanis" from setting up food stalls at the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. This move, along with renaming certain Urdu terms, is aimed at preserving the religious sanctity of the event, held at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
The proposal to ban non-Sanatan vendors will be finalized in a resolution after Diwali and presented to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for approval, according to the Akhara Parishad.
ABAP president Ravindra Puri, addressing the media, cited recent incidents of food contamination, such as spitting or adding harmful substances to food, as reasons behind the ban. He emphasized that with the majority of Kumbh Mela attendees being Hindus, actions that defile food would not be tolerated.
The Akhara Parishad has also advised its members, including Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, and saints, to purchase goods only from shops owned by those who adhere to Sanatan Dharma. Devotees have been encouraged to do the same. Additionally, they have recommended seeking services from Hindu artisans, such as barbers, carpenters, and cobblers.
Another key measure proposed by ABAP is that shops should clearly display the owner's name, and patrons should look for religious symbols or idols of deities within the premises, whether it's a shop, dhaba, or restaurant. The Parishad has called for stricter government regulations to ensure the uninterrupted spiritual practices of Hindu seers and devotees.
Furthermore, ABAP has advocated for changing Urdu terms commonly used during the Kumbh Mela. For instance, ‘Shahi Snan’ will be renamed ‘Rajsi Snan’ and ‘Peshwai’ will be called ‘Chhavni Pravesh.’ The Parishad claims that the use of Hindi terms is a tradition that has been followed for centuries. A formal announcement from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding these changes is expected soon.
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In addition to these proposals, the Akhara Parishad has requested that officials and police personnel assigned to the Kumbh Mela refrain from consuming meat or alcohol during the event to maintain the fair’s integrity. Senior Superintendent of Police (Kumbh Mela) Rajesh Dwivedi confirmed that as meat and alcohol are already banned in the entire fair area, law enforcement officers are also expected to adhere to this rule.
Resource: Hindustan times
